1429 International cooperation in the field of mining in the broadest sense is often the driving force behind the changes that take place in industry. The exchange of experiences, consultations, mutual visits of specialists from various fields and professions are conducive to the modernization of mining techniques and technologies. Thanks to this, this industry has a chance to develop at a time of high competition, growing demand for various types of minerals, as well as with respect for the environment and sustainable development. Based on this assumption, the Central Mining Institute – National Research Institute (CMINRI) has been working closely with experts from different parts of the world, in various formats and forums for many years. As an example, the cooperation of CMI-NRI representatives with the Group of Experts on Coal Mines and Just Transition, which operates at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), can be mentioned. This commission has been operating since 1947. It brings together 56 countries from Western, Eastern, South-Eastern Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States and North America. In addition, more than 70 international professional and non-governmental organizations participate in UNECE's activities. The CMM&JT Expert Group, established in 2004 and comprising over 500 experts, operates under the Sustainable Energy Committee of UNECE. Its members are scientists, engineers, economists, lawyers, government officials, equipment manufacturers, etc. CMI-NRI employees take an active part in the meetings of this group, including participating in management bodies, and carrying out some of the tasks related to the scope of the Group's substantive and organizational activities. After many years of shared experience in cooperation between the Group and the Institute, discussions were initiated on expanding the scope, area and formula of cooperation. This is how the idea of creating the world's first International Center of Excellence for Coal Mine Methane in Poland (ICE-CMM Poland) was born. As a result of the talks and arrangements, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UNECE and CMI-NRI in October 2015. The announced initiative has gained considerable interest among companies and R&D units operating in Poland in areas related to mining. This resulted in the expansion of the Centre's membership. In 2016, other institutions and companies joined the project: Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG S.A), Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) and Oil and Gas Institute – National Research Institute (O&GI-NRI). All of these companies have signed relevant agreements (MoU) with UNECE. Subsequently, they jointly created and accepted the statute of ICE-CMM Poland. The official inauguration of the Centre's activities took place in Katowice on 17 August 2017. The ceremony was attended by invited guests from Poland and abroad, including people who contributed to the establishment of the Centre, potential partners and representatives of the mining industry. Shortly after, in the fall of 2017, a second Center of Excellence for Coal Mine Methane in China was established. Both Centers cooperate with each other and exchange experiences on the occasion of frequent joint meetings. ICE-CMM Poland operates as a structured industry–research platform enabling rapid validation and deployment of methane mitigation technologies. The general area and principles of ICE-CMM Poland's activities have been included in the mandate of the Group of Experts on CMM&JT, the provisions contained in the MoU agreements and in the approved statute. The Centre works closely with the Group. Every year, it submits a plan of its activities for the next year and also a report on its activities for the previous year. Both the plan and the report are subject to evaluation and must be approved by the Group, which is confirmed in official documents published after the end of the annual meeting. The Centre is supported by membership fees paid by associated companies and institutions. The management of current activities is carried out by the Presidium. It consists of one person from each company. As mentioned, the objectives and areas of activity of ICE-CMM Poland are based on the mandate of the Expert Group on CMM&JT, the provisions included in the MoU agreements and the Statute. These include, but are not limited to: • carrying out concrete and results-oriented activities to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from coal mines through methane recovery and utilization, • cooperation with international organizations and initiatives promoting the reduction of greenhouse gases, • sourcing and collecting relevant case studies and best practices in sustainable CMM management, • organizing training and visits of CMM practitioners for interested UN Member States, • organization of training in the field of best practices, • conducting research in their fields, including in cooperation with intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations,
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