On behalf of the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI), the Centre for Public Opinion Research (CBOS Foundation) conducted a survey on public acceptance for the mining of critical raw materials in Poland.

The survey was conducted on 17–20 August 2026 on a nationwide sample of 1,000 adult respondents. Its aim was to ascertain Poles’ views on the importance of critical raw materials for national security, ways of ensuring access to them, and the conditions for public acceptance of mining activities.

Over 87% of Poles believe that access to critical raw materials is important for national security. At the same time, 39.8% of respondents state that Poland should secure access to these raw materials primarily through domestic mining and recycling, whilst 35.7% favour a combination of domestic mining and imports. Only 3% of respondents believe that Poland should rely solely on imports.

The survey also covered the issue of public acceptance for mining activities. Respondents were asked under what conditions they are able to accept the mining of critical raw materials in their region. The most frequently cited factors were minimising the negative environmental impact (48.1 %); the creation of new jobs and investments to improve residents’ living conditions (38.0 %); and ensuring that the local community has a word when it comes to decisions regarding mining (22.4 %). Unconditional acceptance of such activities was declared by 11.7% of respondents, whilst 4.3% stated that they will not accept it under any circumstances.

Respondents were also asked about their first associations with the launch of mining operations in their local area. For 29.9% of those surveyed, this meant primarily the creation of new jobs, whilst for 27.3% it meant economic development. In turn, 12.9% of respondents highlighted the risk of environmental degradation, and 9.5% pointed to the possibility of social conflicts.

For 59.1% of respondents, no mining activity was taking place in their local area. Despite this, Poles recognise the importance of domestic extraction of critical raw materials. Acceptance of specific mining projects depends largely on certain conditions being met. The results present opinions on a nationwide scale and do not necessarily reflect the sentiments of residents in individual regions, particularly those where mining investments are planned. They may help to better identify public expectations and concerns, and serve as a basis for initiating a broader dialogue on the future of mining in Poland.