The International Copper Mining and Smelting Congress concluded in Lubin, drawing hundreds of participants from around the globe. Under the Honorary Patronage of Andrzej Szydło, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., this event remains a significant gathering for the non-ferrous metals industry.
Approximately 450 attendees engaged with 75 papers presented across 11 sessions. Discussions focused on copper ore mining prospects, global economic conditions affecting copper mining and smelting, and technical aspects of mining production. Additional topics included recovery technology for accompanying metals, processing under energy transition conditions, risk prevention, and workplace safety.
A notable feature was an exhibition showcasing mining and smelting machinery at KGHM’s Head Office in Lubin. Leading manufacturers participated alongside KGHM Group representatives such as KGHM ZANAM, CBJ, Inova, and Nitroerg.
Opening the Congress, Andrzej Szydło emphasized seeking technological solutions to address challenging mining conditions. He stated that “the discussion panels and papers should provide an inspiration to make sure that every gram, every kilogram, every tonne of copper, silver, lead or nickel is mined efficiently.”
Szydło also highlighted KGHM’s integrated process line advantage: “We can prospect and identify deposits… enrich them and melt them down… We are an integrated process line that includes mining, processing and metallurgy.” He stressed the importance of recycling as future resources become scarce: “There will come a point… when 90% of the copper supply to the market will not be copper dug deep underground or from open pit mines.”
KGHM Vice President Mirosław Laskowski remarked on their production ranking: “We are in the top 7 in terms of copper production in the world.” He noted ongoing efforts for new exploration areas to satisfy their smelters’ demands.
Zbigniew Bryja, Vice President for Development at KGHM, addressed industry challenges like high temperatures at large depths requiring new machinery: “What limits us today are the technical possibilities… If we overcome these two barriers… it is a strategic raw material.”
Organizers included several Polish associations with participation from Wrocław University of Technology. The congress was supported by KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., which served as its Main Partner.
