21 World Mining Congress Opening Ceremony

On 7 September 2008 in Auditorium Maximum of Jagiellonian University in Cracow took place the opening ceremony of the 21 World Mining Congress.

The opening speech was held by the Chairman of International Organizing Committee of the World Mining Congress Prof. Józef Dubiński. The patronage over the 21 World Mining Congress has been assumed by the President of the Republic of Poland Lech Kaczyński. Chief of the President's Chancellery, Minister Piotr Kownacki conveyed the message of the President. Inaugural addresses delivered among others Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Economy Dariusz Bogdan, President of the State Mining Authority Piotr Buchwald, Vice President of Krakow Wiesław Starowicz and President of Katowice Piotr Uszok.

The "Śląsk" Song and Dance Ensemble gave the gala concert performance.

The Congress venue is Cracow. Some sessions take place also in other cities: Katowice (also in the State Mining Authority), Lubin and Bełchatów. 21 World Mining Congress ends on 11 September.

An integral part of the Congress is the MINING EXPO 2008 exhibition of mining equipment and machinery. From 9 to 12 September 270 exhibitors from 24 countries will present their offer in Sosnowiec.