Poland’s top utility PGE said on Monday it will take all steps necessary to ensure its Turow lignite mine and power plant near the Czech border can operate for as long as needed.
“We will correct previous errors and take all necessary actions to maintain the normal operation of the Turow mine and power plant with the utmost attention to ecological issues and the safety of the entire region, for as long as needed,” PGE CEO Dariusz Marzec said in a statement.
A local court overturned a 2022 environmental permit for Turow on March 13, but allowed the open-pit mine to continue operations for now.
Environmental groups have long criticized the environmental impact of the mine that feeds the adjacent power plant and filed lawsuits against a license that allows it to operate until 2044.
PGE said it is now waiting for a written justification of the local court’s judgment and based on this will take legal steps to defend the mine and power complex.
“I am convinced that the case will be resolved positively,” Marzec said.
(By Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Alexander Smith)
