10 Years of Restructuring in Coal Mining Holdings of Katowice S.A., Poland

摘要

Social and economic transformations in Poland after 1989 resulted in inevitable transformations in the country's basic fuel sector and its adaptation to market economy. This paper covers these transformations in the scope of organization of management, production, market and social problems at the level of holding that initially grouped 11 and now 8 coal mines, with total output of 18 million tonnes of power coal per year, contributing to approx. 18% of national sales. The course of restructuring, supported with subsequent national programmes starting from 1993, allowed to a.o. adjust the production level to market needs, modernize technology, reduce employment by 52%, reach positive accumulation of capital and perspective of return of liabilities, selling or development at own effort of properties not involved in production processes and to provide opportunity for dismissed personnel to change professional qualifications. Effects obtained clearly improved financial standing of coal mines with good geological and technological position as well as their ability to function in a market economy.