Research Areas in Post-Mining – Experiences from German Hard Coal Mining

Abstract

The German hard coal mining industry closed its last active mine at the end of the year 2018. The Research Institute for Post-Mining (FZN) at TH Georg Agricola University (THGA) in Bochum/Germany, has developed an integrated approach to meet the challenges of the post-mining era. Therefore, post-mining covers four research areas: Perpetual tasks and mine water management; Geomonitoring in post-mining; Material science for the preservation of industrial heritage; Reactivation and transition. The institute is trying to fulfill central requirements of the UN to deal responsibly and sustainably with the resources of our planet. It plans to be a part of a national and international network in the interest of all social groups and the environment.