Poland’s Ministry of Climate and Environment has approved multinational mining company KGHM’s plans to build a small modular nuclear power plant in Poland.

KGHM, headquartered in Lubin, southwest Poland, said in a statement on Friday (14 July) that the “basic decision” – essentially a decision-in-principle – meant it had been given official state approval for the planned SMR investment.

The decision-in-principle is the first in a series of administrative permits needed for nuclear power facilities in Poland. It means KGHM can now apply for a number of further permits such as those for siting and construction.

KGHM submitted its application for a decision-in-principle in April.