EU new members: Implications for the mining industry

The mining and quarrying sector in the new EU member represented only about 0,5-2% of the gross value added, but they are significant producers of hard and brown coal, non-ore and construction materials, as well some non-ferrous metals and their by-products (mainly in Poland). In this paper the activity of mining companies is analysed, from the perspective of EU enlargement, valid and prepared legislation, structural and ownership changes as well as environmental initiatives.

Keywords:

• mining industry
• EU legislation
• EU enlargement