MINING HELPFUL TO ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT - CASE OF KIELCE MINERAL MINES ENTERPRISE (KKSM)

Mining is considered as activity dramatically damaging environment. However, there are numerous examples of its favorable impact on environment. Opencast mining allows - in some cases - for replacement of unfertile soils by fertile ones formed due to reclamation process, as well as for formation of new attractive landscape forms (rocky fences, hills in flat monotonous terrains, water ponds), formation of new wildlife refuges in the case of abandoned self-reclamated pits. Such examples allow to recognize mining also as the activity forming new values of environment and conditions for its protection. Such approach to mining is the mission of Kielce Mineral Mines Enterprise (KKSM), managing its mining activity with the aim to support the environment protection and increase its value. It is: support to forestry, support of wildlife protection through formation of wildlife refuges (e.g. for Nature 2000 network), attractive landscape shaping and formation of recreational sites. KKSM exploits deposits of limestone and dolomite for crushed stone production, and also sand. Rock fences exposed in the abandoned "Korzecko" quarry are recognized as protected area due to landscape value and exposed geological features. 20 bird species are located in that area, with two of them protected ones - according to the Nature 2000 network - occurring directly in the former quarry. On the site of exploited "Mojcza" sand deposit the lake was formed, which increased the landscape value. The recovery of sand from the "Sukow" deposit allows recently to form the lake beautifully located in forested hilly landscape. Beyond the worked area, it is informally used as valuable recreational, swimming pool site near to town agglomeration of Kielce. Sand quarrying of "Nieswin" deposit, located in the middle of Konskie forest complex, is the best example of cooperation of mining and environment management. It is supported by Forest Service, because it allows to remove old forest and replace it by the new one, of higher value due to better soil quality below the removed sand and due to lower distance to underground water level. Such examples demonstrate that mining can fulfill the requirements of sustainable development.