Cooperation between KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and the Pomorskie Voivodship on the planned polyhalite mine in the Bay of Puck area

KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and the Pomorskie Voivodship have signed a letter of intent concerning the ‘PUCK’ project, namely the construction of a polyhalite mine. This will be the first such investment in Poland and one of the most promising ventures for the domestic fertiliser market. The project is located on the recognised Mieroszyno deposit, whose geological reserves are estimated at over 303 million tonnes. Its development is a process spread over several years, and full implementation may take over a decade. Polyhalite, used in the production of fertilisers, is important for modern agriculture, food security and the country’s raw material independence. The cooperation between KGHM and the voivodship authorities is intended to take into account local needs, the potential of Pomeranian businesses and the principles of responsible investment management based on Local Content.

The ‘PUCK’ project may become one of the most important industrial investments implemented in Pomerania in the coming decades. It forms part of efforts to strengthen Poland’s security of raw material supplies and to build new economic advantages based on strategic resources. The signed letter of intent demonstrates that cooperation between central government, local authorities and state-owned companies can lay a solid foundation for long-term investments of national importance. It is particularly important to conduct this process in dialogue with local communities and by using the potential of Polish enterprises according to local content principles, said Eliza Zeidler, Secretary of State at the Ministry of State Assets.

The signed letter of intent marks the beginning of the next stage of cooperation between KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and the Pomorskie Voivodship on this project. Moving on to the next phase of the project confirms our long-term commitment to carrying out this investment in Pomerania. We now need to draw up the documentation required to apply for a mineral extraction licence. This is a demanding process, which is why thorough preparation, cooperation with local government partners and a responsible approach to local conditions are crucial. The letter of intent signed today constitutes the mutual declaration that the project’s further development will be conducted in a transparent manner, with particular focus on dialogue with local stakeholders.  This is a unique project which, if implemented, will rank among the largest of its kind in the world. In the future, the polyhalite extracted as part of the ‘PUCK’ project may be of significant importance for Poland’s food security and raw materials independence, said Remigiusz Paszkiewicz, President of the Management Board of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A.

The Pomorskie Voivodship is undergoing massive changes, becoming an area where strategic investments – crucial to Poland’s interests – are being implemented. This is a great opportunity, but also a responsibility, including for local government. As experience to date from the preparation and implementation of other projects in our region – such as the construction of a nuclear power station or offshore wind farms – has shown, the success of such projects depends on many factors, including public acceptance and the involvement of Pomeranian businesses. Should KGHM’s investment go ahead, it will take place in an area that is highly sensitive in many respects, particularly in terms of the environment and tourism. It is our responsibility to ensure that all circumstances and views will be considered during the design process and when obtaining the relevant decisions. A second key area of our concern and commitment is to maximise the potential of Pomeranian businesses, universities and schools, so this investment will have the greatest possible positive impact on the local population’s finances. Therefore, we will ensure a positive balance between the costs and benefits arising from the location of such a major investment in our region. I am convinced that the cooperation between the Pomorskie Voivodship and KGHM, the terms of which have been set out in the letter of intent signed today, will help to ensure that the investment will be prepared in a transparent manner, according to the highest standards and with due respect for the views of local residents, said Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomorskie Voivodship.

Investment in raw material security

The Company has been carrying out prospecting and exploration work in the Bay of Puck area since 2014 under a licence granted for the prospecting and exploration of potassium-magnesium salt deposits. The ‘PUCK’ project concerns the ‘Mieroszyno’ polyhalite deposit, for which the geological documentation was approved by a decision of the Minister of Climate and the Environment in June 2025. The preliminary project plans envisage the construction of an underground mine with two shafts to a depth of approximately 800 metres, a processing plant and surface facilities. The project’s objectives include the use of modern mining and processing technologies, aimed at operating under a zero-waste model and minimising the investment’s impact on the environment and the surrounding area. The implementation of the project’s subsequent stages will be a multi-year process. Preparing the documentation and obtaining the necessary approvals may take around 6 years.

Polyhalite is currently mined commercially at only one location in the world. Its importance to modern agriculture is constantly growing and stems from its natural composition, which includes four elements vital for crops: potassium, magnesium, calcium and sulphur. Due to its low chloride content, it can be used on sensitive crops, including fruit, vegetables and oilseeds. It is a fertiliser raw material that meets the needs of an agricultural sector facing climate change and soil degradation, and consequently growing pressure to use fertilisers efficiently and ensure food security. The investment is part of a wider trend towards diversifying sources of strategic raw materials for the Polish – and indeed the European – fertiliser sector.

Working together for the region

The letter of intent sets out key areas of cooperation for the further development of the ‘PUCK’ project. These include the exchange of experiences and best practice, identifying needs in terms of services, supplies, works, expertise, logistics and infrastructure, as well as information, promotional and consultation activities. The Parties also undertake to consider local conditions, including environmental issues, water management, spatial planning, tourism, infrastructure and residents’ quality of life.

An important element of the declared cooperation is the implementation of the potential investment in line with Local Content principles. KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. has been applying these principles for years in its domestic investments, working in partnership with Polish and local entities. For the ‘PUCK’ project, such an approach may strengthen domestic supply chains, support the development of regional expertise and create opportunities for new jobs and services linked to the planned investment. 

The purpose of the letter of intent is to establish a framework for cooperation between KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and the Pomorskie Voivodship in preparing and assessing the possibilities for the further development of the ‘PUCK’ project. The agreement is not binding and merely sets out the intentions of the Parties.