We invite you to participate in the international conference “European Steel and Coal Heritage” which will take place on 10-11 April 2025 in Katowice. The event is organised by the Foundation for the Protection of Industrial Heritage of Silesia and will bring together experts from across Europe to discuss industrial heritage—its significance and use, as well as its protection alongside support for the natural environment.
The opening event will feature a ceremony presenting Dr. Piotr Gerber, President of the Foundation for the Protection of Industrial Heritage of Silesia, with the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award in the category of Heritage Champions. The bronze plaque will be presented by Guy Clausse, Vice President of Europa Nostra and Chair of the Heritage Awards Jury Prof. Jacek Purchla.
One of the topics of discussion will be the challenges and opportunities related to the preservation of technical heritage, such as steam engines, locomotives, and combustion vehicles. The programme will also include a presentation of the project aimed at preserving an active coal mine that will supply resources for mobile heritage assets in Europe, as well as discussions of significant revitalisation programmes realised in Katowice. The conference will also serve as a platform for discussions on the establishment of TICCIH Europe, based in Poland, which aims to provide effective care for technical heritage!
Conference participants will have the opportunity to visit industrial sites in Silesia, including the zinc rolling mill in Katowice-Szopienice, the active KWK Ruch Marcel coal mine in Radlin, and the historic Ignacy Mine in Rybnik, which won the Grand Prix of the European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award in the category of Conservation and Adaptation last year.