... the difficulty lies not so much in developing new ideas as in escaping from old ones.
John Maynard Keynes 

Innovation - breakthrough in JSW’s development

JSW Innowacje will launch its operations during the international scientific conference held under the auspices of the International Mining Forum 2017 entitled Mining of the Future – New Problems and Solutions. 

Mining of the Future – New Problems and Solutions, Jastrzębie-Zdrój, Poland, 28-30 June 2017

The International Mining Forum (IMF) was created at the initiative of the Polish Academy of Science and the AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow. IMF 2017 will be held in Jastrzębie-Zdrój at the Pniówek hard coal mine on 28-30 June 2017. Its main organizer is the Rybnik Branch of the Association of Mining Engineers and Technicians. The Ministry of Energy is the event’s patron. Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa is the host.

IMF-JSW 2017 intends to become a platform for the exchange of scientific thought and practical engineering solutions in an international setting with the participation of mining representatives from Europe and beyond.

IMF-JSW 2017 will deal with the following topical scope:

• underground mining at the threshold of the 21st century
• new techniques and technologies in underground mining of deposits
• directions for enhancing the efficiency of preparatory works
• mine ventilation and air conditioning
• IT in the mining industry
• Exploitation of deposits when facing natural hazards
• occupational safety management in mines

One attractive item on the agenda will be the opportunity for IMF participants to learn about the specifics of how the JSW mines operate, including the extraction techniques and technologies they employ.

Portraying the changes that have taken place in the Polish mining industry at the turn of the centuries and the challenges that it faces at the threshold of the 21st century will be an important subject at IMF-JSW 2017. This particulary pertains to implementing and utilizing modern technical and IT solutions in mines, undertaking extensive efforts to provide information about the management of mineral resources and the processes involved in obtaining them with the mining industry forming an important constituent element.

The general directions of the assumptions underlying the JSW Group’s operating strategy until 2030 currently being drafted will be presented during IMF JSW 2017. The foundation for developing production at JSW will be as follows:

1. Highly-qualified staff focused on achieving shared objectives;
2. Highly-efficient machinery and equipment chosen specifically for local geological and mining conditions to mechanize mining work;
3. Eliminating arduous physical labor to the greatest extent possible through the mechanization and automation of the greatest amount of underground work;
4. Implementing modern IT systems in various areas of mining activity to streamline technological processes, monitor the operation of machinery and equipment and plan production.

BREAKTHROUGH IN JSW’S DEVELOPMENT – INNOVATION 

In 2015-2017, JSW SA implemented a profound restructuring process aimed at regaining profitability and liquidity in highly demanding market conditions (there any many examples of global miners going bankrupt in connection with the persisting economic crisis). JSW made many difficult decisions to prevent bankruptcy, including the decision to sell its stake in Spółka Energetyczna Jastrzębie S.A. and the coke production assets of Wałbrzyskie Zakłady Koksownicze Victoria S.A.

Currently, after a period of profound restructuring, in order to enhance its competitiveness and production flexibility, the JSW Management Board intends to boost development through innovation and investment. The slogan we would like to instill in our Company is as follows:

JSW’s responsible development through innovation, investment and education

Establishing the Jastrzębie Center for Innovation and Development (JSW Innowacje) is critical to JSW’s optimum development.

Ultimately, the Jastrzębie Center for Innovation and Development (JSW Innowacje) established with Polski Koks as the base will become a comprehensive research and development facility for the entire JSW Group.

The operations of JSW Innowacje will cover all the phases of the JSW Group’s research and development activities: from research to projects, environmental impact assessments, feasibility studies and execution oversight. We would like for the major research objectives tackled by JSW Innowacje to include:

• extending the life of mine of production assets;
• steering the quality of the process under execution;
• growing the productivity of mining assets;
• ensuring safety and environmental protection;
• revitalizing post-industrial areas and utilizing waste;
• growing earnings by implementing innovation;
• developing the JSW Group’s human resources.

JSW Innowacje domiciled in Katowice will take advantage of its geographical location to engage the scientific and research communities in Katowice, Gliwice and Kraków to work for JSW to prod the JSW Group’s overall development.