Innovative activities in a failing industrial sector on the example of the coal mining industry

The coal mining industry in Poland belongs to the branches of industry currently breaking down. It is expressed by the liquidation of mines, whose number in 1989 equalled 70, while in 2010 – only 29; it is also visible in the steady decrease of coal extraction, from 177 million tonnes in 1989 to 77 million tonnes in 2009, whereas employment dropped from 415.7 thousand to 112 thousand, respectively. The decrease in extraction is connected with the process of transformation of the Polish economy and the necessity to adapt to the requirements imposed by the European Union, which required Poland to limit its production of electrical energy from coal. In this context, the situation of the coal mining industry is especially difficult. A question arises, what activities the department of mining has been undertaking in order to cope with these challenges. The article concentrates on innovative activities conducted by the mining industry. They have been presented in their organizational and technological spheres, including the main businesses functioning in the trade, namely Kompania Węglowa, consisting of 15 mines, Katowicki Holding Węglowy, comprising 4 mines, and Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa, which consists of 5 mines, as well as the remaining mines functioning independently or within structures of other concerns. Innovative activities in the scope of branch management and organization of sales are described. Innovation in terms of technology consists in the introduction of new products, implementation of modern machinery and equipment for exploitation, as well as the monitoring of coal extraction and minimizing the negative impact on the environment