In Bogdanka, a tribute was paid to the explorers and recorders of the Lublin Coal Basin

The event was a part of the E 90 field session of the Scientific Convention of the Polish Geological Society and had a special symbolic significance. The meeting took place in the year marking two important anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of the Upper Silesian Branch of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PIG-PIB) commencing research into the Lublin Coal Basin and the 50th anniversary of the launch of construction of the Bogdanka mine.

The seminar was opened by Professor Krzysztof Szamałek, Director of PIG-PIB and Head of the State Geological Service, and Zbigniew Stopa, President of the Management Board of LW “Bogdanka” S.A. The opening speeches have underlined that the history of the Lublin Coal Basin is not only the history of geology, geological surveys and investment decisions, but above all a history of the people who, through their knowledge, determination and pioneering spirit, laid the foundations for the development of one of Poland’s most important mining centres.

Following the official opening, letters addressed to the participants of the event were read out. A letter from Krzysztof Komorski , the Governor of the Lubelskie Voivodship and Krzysztof Bojarski , a Member of the Polish Parliament, was read out by Bartłomiej Zwolakiewicz, Deputy Mayor of Łęczna. Łukasz Reszka, the Governor of the Łęczna District also took the floor and read out a commemorative letter in the presence of representatives of the local self-government: Szymon Czech – Deputy Governor of the Łęczna District, Leszek Włodarski – Mayor of Łęczna, Andrzej Chabros – Head of the Ludwin Municipality, Marta Kociuba – Head of Cyców Municipality and Urszula Hucz – Head of Puchaczów Municipality. The presence of local councillors emphasised the fact that the history of Bogdanka and LZW is not only a history of geology and mining, but also a history of the development of local communities.

The speeches delivered by people who looked at the history of the Lublin Coal Basin not only from an academic perspective, but also from a professional and personal one, constituted an important part of the meeting. One of the speakers was was Jerzy Markowski, PhD Eng, a former Secretary of State at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, involved in the problems of the mining sector and the changes it has undergone in Poland for many years. His remarks placed the meeting into a broader context, showing that the history of Bogdanka and LZW is part of a wider narrative concerning Polish mining, technical expertise, the state’s responsibility for resources, and the importance of domestic raw materials for the economic security of the country.

Bogdanka proves that in the mining industry, the most important decisions are made long before the first tonne of coal is extracted. The courage of the geologists comes first, followed by the documentation, the design, the construction, and only at the end, the mine is involved, which transforms the region for generations to come

– Jerzy Markowski emphasised.

The words of Albin Zdanowski, PhD Eng were of particular significance – a witness and participant in the process of mapping the deposits of the Lublin Coal Basin. His presence added a very personal touch to the event. It served as a reminder that behind every set of documents, every borehole, every geological survey and every decision there are real people, their work, their sense of responsibility and their belief in the value of the effort undertaken.

This was followed by a series of presentations dedicated to the explorers and recorders of the Lublin Coal Basin. Its aim was to highlight the role of those who, over the years, conducted research, mapped mineral deposits, drew up plans and laid the foundations for the establishment of a modern mining centre in the Lublin region. It is due to their work that scientific hypotheses, boreholes, geological profiles and documentation have, over time, given rise to one of the region’s most significant industrial projects.

During the presentation session, participants were able to listen to presentations devoted to the history of the discovery of the deposits, the development of research and documentation relating to the Lublin Coal Basin, and the broader raw materials outlook for the region. Professor Krzysztof Szamałek traced the history of Lublin’s coal industry “from scientific deduction to the mining basin”. Speakers included, among others, Albin Zdanowski, PhD Eng and Andrzej Piotrowski, who highlighted the significance of discovery of the LZW deposits at the Polish Geological Institute, as well as representatives of the academic community involved in studies on the history and future of the region.

The seminar was concluded with a discussion that quickly went beyond the formal framework of an academic summary. It became a sentimental journey into the past - to the early days of the Lublin Coal Basin, the first surveys, the first discoveries, the first decisions, and the first people who believed that a modern mining centre could be established in the Lublin region. The participants’ recollections showed that the history of LZW is not a closed chapter in the archives, but a living memory within the geological, mining and regional communities.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial unveiling of a plaque commemorating the explorers and recorders of the Lublin Coalfield. The plaque, located in the Guild Hall of LW “Bogdanka” S.A., is designed to serve as a lasting memorial to those whose knowledge, hard work and pioneering spirit laid the foundations for the history of the Lublin coal industry. The ceremony was attended by representatives of PIG-PIB, LW “Bogdanka” S.A., the academic and mining communities, the families of persons involved in mapping the deposits, and witnesses to the early days of LZW.

The unveiling ceremony was attended, among others, by Professor Krzysztof Szamałek, Director of PIG-PIB and Head of the State Geological Service, Professor Krzysztof Galos, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Climate and Environment and Chief Geologist of Poland, Zbigniew Stopa, President of the Management Board of LW “Bogdanka” S.A., and the daughters of Associated Professor Józef Porzycki and Albin Zdanowski, PhD Eng. The presence of Professor Krzysztof Galos emphasised the significance of the ceremony and the importance of geological research for the development of the region and the country’s energy security.

The unveiling of the plaque was not only of symbolic, but also very personal nature. The official ceremony was followed by addresses by the daughter of Associate Professor Józef Porzycki, one of the most important chroniclers of the Lublin Coal Basin and Albin Zdanowski, PhD Eng, a witness and participant in the process of documenting the LZW archives. In their speeches, they expressed their gratitude for the commemoration of those whose work, knowledge and determination laid the foundations for the development of the Lublin Coal Basin and Bogdanka itself. 

Today’s meeting has shown that Bogdanka’s history is not just the history of a company. It is also a story of science, the region, Polish geology and mining. This is a story of people who were able to see beyond the realities of their times and worked with determination to turn the scientific hypothesis into reality. Due to their work, the Lublin Coal Basin has become one of the most important elements of the region’s economic identity, while Bogdanka became a symbol of modern, efficient and responsible mining.

The event also had a contemporary dimension. It has reminded that the issue of the Lublin region’s natural resources is not merely the past issue. Just as the courage of geologists, recorders and engineers led to the creation of Bogdanka several decades ago, so today a responsible assessment of the region’s mineral potential remains a key consideration when thinking about the future of the economy, the energy sector and national security. Therefore, the plaque unveiled at the Guild Hall does not mark the end of the history of the Lublin Coalfield. On the contrary it points out that major projects begin with people who are able to ask the relevant questions, gather data and follow-up consistently the findings of their research.