Mining is one of the oldest human skills, and it is still used today. Basically, it’s the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, usually from an ore body, lode, vein, seam, reef, or placer deposit. Throughout history, tools have changed, in the past we used a pickaxe and a shovel, and today we use various machines. Also, a very important thing is that there are two types of mining: surface mining and sub-surface (underground) mining. When we talk about the energy crises, mining is inevitable to mention. By mining, we are exploiting non-renewable resources that are used to produce the energy.
Fig.1: Comparison of old (left side) and new tools (right side).
When we say the coal war, we mean it in a metaphorical sense, because the problems that arise when coal is mentioned are pollution and price.
For example, there have been problems between some countries. The most noticeable is between Poland and Czech Republic (Fig. 2).
You are probably wondering what seems to be the problem. Well in Poland there is a coal mine called Turów which is basically on the border with Czech Republic. If you ask yourself why it is so important, read the following text. So while mining coal, the underground river that goes through Czech Republic is getting polluted, and that is why Cyech citizens can’t drink that water and we know why water is essential for not just people but for the whole biodiversity.
Fig. 2: Location of the Turow mine. The image is taken from web site of BBC.
How should we fix that problem?
The countrys have already made some agreements. Poland and PGE (owner of the mine) had paid 45 million in compensation. It also sets out new rules of cooperation around the coal mine. This agreement also includes a Polish pledge to construct an underground barrier to stop water outflow across the border as well as a fund for local and regional projects aimed at environmental protection.
Fig. 3: Solidarity members marched in Warsaw in defence of coal mining. The image is taken from the web site of BBC.
Fig. 4: The contract signature between two countries.
In my opinion every problem has multiple solutions. Probably you are wondering what are my suggestions. As we all know the energy crisis is serious, and we all know coal is a non-renewable resource. So, what should Poland do, in my opinion, they need to find new ways on making energy and stop using non-renewable resources. If they manage to do that, they are saving money and most importantly the environment.
Written by Stefan Lonco
Sources of information: https://rb.gy/qnuh8b
