Was it worth it? A review of the Hambach opencast mine
Hambach Forest, once an extensive forest area in North Rhine-Westphalia, symbolises the development of open-cast lignite mining in Germany. The history of the Hambach open-cast mine began in 1974 when the authorisation process was initiated. It followed the sale of woodland to the then Rheinbraun AG between 1967 and 1971. 1984 marked the start of lignite mining, which led to the clearing of large parts of the original 4,100-hectare forest, which is 1.9 times the size of Frankfurt International Airport.
By 2017, the Hambach open-cast mine had developed into the largest lignite mine in Europe with an operating area of 4,380 hectares. This development has far-reaching ecological effects and, in particular, social consequences due to the resettlement of local communities.
In our case study, we ask whether and, if so, to what extent open-cast mining in Hambach can be considered a success: Was it worth it? In this way, we unfold the complexity of mining projects, which naturally have an impact on society and nature in addition to economic and geopolitical value dimensions. Dialogues with various stakeholders, an analysis of media coverage and visits to the mining sites provide a comprehensive picture of the situation.
Further information:
Hambacherforst.org (mainly in German)
