On 24-25 September 2026, representatives of the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (GIG-PIB), together with the project partner, the Marshal Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, participated in the 3rd Interregional Meeting of the EUMINDA project held in Heerlen, the Netherlands. The event was hosted by Open Universiteit Nederland, the lead partner of the project. Representatives of scientific institutions, public authorities and organisations involved in the transformation of former mining regions from nine European countries took part in the meeting.
The programme focused on the challenges resulting from the legacy of mining activities and on legal, organisational and socio-economic solutions supporting regions undergoing transition. Participants exchanged experiences related to mining damage liability, post-closure site monitoring, workforce retraining and the creation of new development opportunities for mining-dependent regions.
The meeting also served as an important platform for interregional learning, one of the core objectives of the EUMINDA project. Through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, partners explored approaches applied in different European mining regions and discussed their potential contribution to improving public policies. Particular attention was given to the experience of the Limburg region, which continues to address the consequences of coal mine closures more than fifty years after the end of mining operations, including issues related to mining damage and long-term responsibilities.
An important element of the event was the participation of regional stakeholders representing Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSSE) and the Zinc Metallurgy Museum WALCOWNIA. Their involvement enriched discussions with the perspective of institutions actively supporting economic transformation, entrepreneurship development and the preservation and promotion of industrial heritage. The participation of stakeholders helps connect international knowledge exchange with the practical needs and challenges of the Silesian region.
The programme also included study visits, allowing participants to learn about practical approaches to managing mining damage and examples of post-industrial land regeneration and redevelopment. The experiences gathered during the visit will provide valuable input for future project activities and the development of policy recommendations supporting a just transition of mining regions.
GIG-PIB was represented at the meeting by Elżbieta Uszok and Mariusz Kruczek.
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