# Polish energy and mining sector unrest

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/polish-energy-and-mining-sector-unrest
> Updated: 2026-09-19T17:54:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Labor unrest and political disputes have emerged in Poland regarding the energy and mining sectors. In September 2026, NSZZ Solidarność union members protested at Orlen headquarters to demand protection for the Inowrocław salt mines and called for the acquisition of Qemetica to bolster salt and storage operations. Concurrently, Law and Justice (PiS) politicians criticized the government over high fuel prices, proposing VAT and excise duty reductions.

Following these events, protests developed in Kłodawa over proposals to use empty chambers in the local salt mine for potential waste storage. While management indicated that other uses such as energy storage or data archives were also being considered, demonstrators expressed opposition to underground hazardous waste disposal. The project is currently suspended pending environmental and safety reviews.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Protests erupt in Kłodawa over mine usage and education reform hunger strikes

Protests in Kłodawa target potential hazardous waste storage in a salt mine, while anti-communist activists in Częstochowa continue a hunger strike against national education reforms.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/protests-erupt-in-kodawa-over-mine-usage-and-education-reform-hunger-strikes

### 2026-09-11: Poland: Energy sector protests and political disputes over fuel prices

Polish political activity intensifies as unions protest Orlen over salt mine protections, PiS politicians attack high fuel prices, and a major fire damages a fire station in Radziejów.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-energy-sector-protests-and-political-disputes-over-fuel-prices

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Cite as: Polish energy and mining sector unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/polish-energy-and-mining-sector-unrest