Achieving United Nations sustainable development goals by the mining sector - a Polish example

The article attempts to define issues related to sustainable development (SD) in the context of the mining industry. The purpose of this publication is to analyze the implementation of sustainable development goals by mining companies in Poland, including Lubelski Wcgiel Bogdanka SA, KGHM Polska Miedz SA and the Gorazdze HeidelbergCement Group. The work is based on a review of previous research, formulating the activities of the mining industry in accordance with each of the seventeen goals presented in the Agenda 2030. Non-financial reports were used to analyze the scope of implementation of SD goals in Poland, an expert assessment was used, which allowed the strengths and weaknesses of the industry in this particular area of interest to be formulated. A change in awareness towards SD in environmental, social and economic domains has undeniably taken place. Reports published by the companies inform about activities consistent with the particular SD objectives. The scope of their implementation varies across the analyzed entities. Increasing the exposure of the discussed topic improves the image of companies, but also allows to notice their efforts whilst indicating real actions that are deemed as good practices. Mining entrepreneurs struggle with limitations and difficulties in implementing changes. The main challenge is the environmental aspect. Undoubtedly, the means of persuasion (also in this regard) are legal regulations that require finalization, especially when it comes to the mining industry and the state's raw materials policy.