The program is part of the transformation of the hard coal mining sector, planned for 2026-2031, and stems from the amended Act on the Functioning of the Hard Coal Mining Industry.

Mining leave is available to employees who have no more than 5 years remaining until they become eligible for retirement. For employees of coal processing plants, this leave is granted for a period of up to 4 years. During this leave, the employee is exempt from the obligation to work and receives a benefit equal to 80 percent of their salary, calculated in the same manner as vacation pay.

The safety net program, which includes one-off cash severance pays launched in May as well as mining and processing leave, is expected to cover a total of 4,248 JSW employees. The estimated cost of implementing the program, which is funded from the state budget this year, is approximately PLN 500 million.