Copper Industry in Poland

This paper presents the state of technology, and the development and achievements of the copper industry in Poland. The basic scope of modernization of the copper industry is discussed. This modernization of technology deals with key problems, such as increasing production and modernizing technology while simultaneously reducing costs, as well as enhancing product quality and expanding the range of products offered to raise the attractiveness of the products. The main environmental projects implemented since the beginning of smelting activities are outlined, together with a general evaluation of the impact of the copper industry on the environment. Also discussed are the future perspectives of the Polish copper industry, together with a description of the primary production process as well as of the development of further processing and the production of end products. The present situation of the copper market and the expected direction of developments in copper metallurgy globally are outlined.