VARIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND MINING PRODUCTION OF POLAND AFTER WORLD WAR II

Abstract

The paper presents the estimates of Polands’s reserves of mineral raw materials after World War II until 2005. This refers to energy minerals (methane, natural gas, oil, black and brown coals), metal ores (iron, copper, lead and zinc) and chemical mineral raw materials (sulphur, rock salt). The period of 1960–1980 was characterised by a dynamic increase of the reserves. In many cases, it was an effect of discoveries of new large deposits, and even large mineral-rich areas. The amount of reserves increased three to four times compared with its volume in 1960. For instance, sulphur reserves increased seven times, natural gas – sixteen times. Discoveries of new deposits as well as intense mining have caused a change in geographical distribution of the main mining centres. However, the last 15 years have been characterised by a depletion of reserves and a drop in the mining extraction. Mining of iron ores and sulphur has been abandoned, and lead and zinc deposits have been significantly depleted. Generally, the role of the potential of mineral raw materials has greatly weakened in the national economy.