On 28th and 29th August 2023, scientists from the Research Center of Post-Mining (FZN) at the TH Georg Agricola University (THGA), Bochum/Germany, carried out a special task. The Paasbach piping, a tunnel structure under and in the area of the Hattingen Henrichshütte, was surveyed above and below ground. The tunnel was relocated several times over the years as the Henrichshütte ...
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Public Perception and Community Participation in the Coal Transition in the Ruhr Region – Interim Results of the EU Research Project WINTER
The EU research project WINTER is developing a web-based interactive management tool for the structural change of coal regions. The basis is formed by three pilot regions in the EU in or on the way to post-mining, including the Ruhr area. Part of the analyses required and carried out in this context are public perception and community participation in the ...
Read More »The UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein: Monument and Future Hub
Since its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the former Zollverein coal mine and coking plant has evolved into an outstanding example of successful structural transformation. This transformation is based on the principle of “preservation through reuse”. Therefore, the Zollverein Foundation in Essen/Germany tasked with this project, not only has the mandate for monument preservation and education, ...
Read More »Restoration of Mine-Water Drainage through the Royal Bavarian Maximilian Heritage Gallery at Stockheim
Hard coal mining around Stockheim and Reitsch, which are townships in the Kronach district of Upper Franconia in Bavaria/Germany, commenced in 1756 and finally ceased in 1968 as the operation had become uneconomical and the deposits were running towards depletion. When the workings were closed insufficient attention, by the standards of today, was paid to securing some of the mine ...
Read More »Renovation of a Flooded Water Release Tunnel: Wilsmicker and Altenberger Tunnels in Wenden in the Sauerland
In January 2023, a spontaneous outflow of water occurred in front of a residential building in Wenden in the Sauerland/Germany. The water flow was linked to the head of an old drainage shaft, which was connected to a wide mining gallery. Immediately after the damage, ad hoc investigation and security measures were initiated. After weighing up the pros and cons ...
Read More »Investigation of Historic Mining Infrastructure in the Upper Harz Mountains and Development of Repurposing Concepts
The Upper Harz in Germany is historically characterized by hydrothermal vein mining, which was carried out from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The region was one of the most important mining centers in Europe, famous for its silver, lead and zinc deposits. Many relicts of this intensive mining activity can be found underground, including extensive drainage systems for ...
Read More »Stolberg Sinkholes: the Role of the Mining Authority in Cases of Non-Mining Sinkholes
In 2022, a sinkhole in the northern part of the city of Stolberg in North Rhine-Westphalia was reported to the Arnsberg District Government, Department Mining and Energy in NRW, Dortmund/Germany. Due to the known old mining in the area, a mining cause for the sinkhole could not be ruled out. However, during the course of the investigation, it was determined ...
Read More »The DGGT & DMV Working Group “Post-Mining”. Development, Results and Perspectives
Due to the mining influence on many protected goods, there is considerable interest in many countries in dealing with abandoned mines and post-mining issues in an orderly manner. Mining leaves behind a wide range of challenges and unresolved tasks worldwide, often with negative impacts on people and the environment, as well as restrictions on the subsequent use of areas affected ...
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