Departaments and Divisions

Our division deals with economic and environmental phenomena, and issues in the area of the mineral and energy economy and in the field of a broadly understood circular economy. The scientific and research activities carried out are related primarily to the assessment of the performance of industrial entities. The division also supports the development and selection of appropriate management strategies, the introduction of pro-ecological solutions, marketing and competitive strategies and the valuation of resources. The issue of environmental impact assessment throughout the whole life cycle of a project using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost (LCC) methods also plays an important role.

The Division of Strategic Research has extensive experience in submitting project applications and implementing domestic and foreign projects. From 2012 to 2020, several international and national research and development and training projects were carried out, subsidized by EU funds, national science support institutions and government administration units under INTERREG, the Horizon 2020 programme, NCRD, NFEP&WM and EIT Raw Materials. In addition, over the past five years, the division has produced several dozen expert opinions and studies for local government administrations and the industry. The division conducts training and educational projects designed for employees of local government units, entrepreneurs and students.

Over the last few years, we have cooperated with government and self-government administration units, in particular with the Ministry of Development, the Ministry of Environment, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, marshal offices and municipal offices, the largest mining companies in Poland (e.g., the KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., ZGH Bolesław and the Wieliczka salt mine) and universities and scientific research units in Poland and worldwide.

Thanks to our constantly developing competences, we offer the following scientific research and development services:

• Economic efficiency (eco-efficiency) assessment of investments and technological solutions using LCA and LCC methods, cumulative calculus, technological quality and the best available technology (BAT, BATNEEC),
• Environmental impact assessment of products and organizations using the LCA method (in accordance with the ISO 1404x standard),
• Development of environmental product declarations,
• Analysis of minerals and waste management in Polish and international markets,
• Evaluation of innovativeness of technological solutions,
• Evaluation of projects and investments in the area of new technologies, raw material projects and waste management,
• Assessment of the impact of mining activities on the environment, including solutions aimed at restoration of degraded post-mining areas along with economic assessment,
• Evaluation of costs in the mining industry, including prices, hedging transactions, taxes, etc.,
• Low-emission economy plans for municipalities,
• Development of reports on corporate social responsibility (CSR),
• Organization of courses and trainings on waste management, recycling, eco-innovation and pro-ecological projects in mining,
• Advisory services for companies implementing a circular economy model,
• Training in training in LCA, CSR and economic analysis.