The changes in the structure of mineral raw materials needs in Poland between 2011−2015

An assessment of current demand for mineral raw materials in the domestic economy as well possibilities to satisfy the needs of the industry has been performed for the period 2011-2015 on the basis of estimated values and volumes of their consumption, as well as indices of the share of importation in the consumption and percentage of production sold abroad. Domestically consumed mineral raw materials have been assigned to groups corresponding to the main way of their usage, distinguishing:fuels, metallic, ceramic, chemical, construction, and others. Complementary to the presented demand- supply relations are trade balances of selected commodities. Analysis of available statistical data showed that the demand for substantial number of mineral raw materials in Poland has been met by imports and this probably will be continued in future. The reasons for Poland’s sustained import dependency of mineral raw materials is the lack or insufficient reserve base, as well as low quality of raw materials available from deposits occurring in the country. The exceptions are construction raw materials and some ceramic ones, as well minerals exported in significant qualities (e.g.: refined copper, silver, zinc, sulphur, lead raw materials, or selenium), for which it can be stated that their domestic supplies may fully satisfy the demand of the national economy. On the other hand, the scale of utilization of such fuels as hard coal and lignite, which represent very significant item in Poland’s total energy mix, may be greatly reduced in the light of EU directives aimed at restricted use of these fossil fuels. The possible alternative is development of the use of renewable energy sources, while in the case of metals - improved recycling of scrap and metal-bearing wastes.