Germany’s last hard coal mine gets shafted

The Prosper-Haniel mine near Bottrop in the Ruhr will close on 21 December, after producing hard coal since 1968.

However, despite Germany’s move towards more environmentally friendly power generation, around 10% of the country’s power production is derived from dirtier brown coal, which is receiving the ire of environmental groups.

Mine owner RAG sated: “RAG has fulfilled its part of the politically agreed socially acceptable phase-out process. But our responsibility remains. From 2019, the challenges of post-mining and structural change will be the focus of our actions.”

The company said it had implemented a wide range of measures for socially responsible personnel adjustment, the planning and implementation of responsible water management and the revitalisation of former mining areas.