The Impact of Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Functioning of a Mine Restructuring Company in Poland

Abstract

The article presents the most important changes in the strategic sector, which is hard coal mining, and shows the effects of industry transformation. The results of the research on the COVID-19 pandemic on the functioning of the mine restructuring company Spółka Restrukturyzacji Kopalń S.A. (SRK S.A.), which is the body whose main goal is the mine liquidation process, are presented. Restructuring activities have been carried out in the Polish mining industry since the end of the 20th century so as to adjust the industry to the market economy. The liquidation of the mine is the last and natural stage of mining activity. The investment process leading to the liquidation of the mine is complex and costly. The changes that are taking place in the mining environment caused by the pandemic of Covid-19 cause both current and long-term economic effects in the operations of most economic entities. The publication analyzes the implementation of the restructuring processes in a closed mine. The analysis showed the main factors disrupting the course of the mission of a mine restructuring company (SRK S.A.), and the most important movement problems. The experience was presented and conclusions were indicated. The procedures used in the mine can also help other mining enterprises so as to cope more easily with the technical difficulties of the pandemic.

Comprehensive Method for Estimating the Time and Expenditures Required for Mine Liquidation Processes of Business Processes

“…When crafting the approach, a degree of functional resemblance among the analyzed mining facilities was taken into account. [42,43,44]. Such an assumption in the preliminary assessment should not affect the usefulness of the method.…”

“…Below, the technique combines all three component parameters, employing a quotient transformation per Equation 1, to allocate the examined set of component parameters to the relevant mine reference group. Once within the reference group, the method then predicts the anticipated liquidation time and the designated value of liquidation expenses [43,48].…”

“…Upon entering the initial value, a likely reference group is identified through single-criteria analysis based on the component liquidation cost. As additional component values of liquidation costs are added, membership to a reference group is established via multi-criteria analysis [43,49]. This enhances the precision of assigning liquidation tasks to the appropriate group.…”