Opencast lignite mining - Last shift at Jänschwalde opencast mine
After almost 50 years, regular operations at the opencast lignite mine in Jänschwalde, north-east of Cottbus, are coming to an end. The miners of the power plant operator Leag are organizing a ceremonial shift change this Friday afternoon (2 p.m.) to bid farewell. Brandenburg's Minister President Dietmar Woidke, who grew up not far from the open-cast mine, and Minister of Economic Affairs Jörg Steinbach (both SPD) are expected to attend.
"Our respect and esteem goes to the men and women who have worked hard in the open-cast mine in all weathers so that we can reliably draw our electricity from the socket," said Prime Minister Woidke in advance.
Lignite has been mined in the open-cast mine since 1976. The areas will be recultivated in the coming years, i.e. made usable again. Among other things, lakes are to be created there.
The energy company Leag is planning a conversion to renewable energies. The phase-out of electricity generation from lignite has been legally agreed in 2038. Due to its high carbon dioxide emissions, lignite is more harmful to the climate than other energy sources.
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- Despite the phase-out of electricity generation from lignite being legally agreed for 2038, the Opencast lignite mine in Jänschwalde continues its operations in Brandenburg.
- The mountain people in the vicinity of Jänschwalde have expressed their concerns about the impact of open-cast mining on their environment, echoing the views of many Germans who advocate for a transition to renewable energies.
- Jörg Steinbach, the Minister of Economic Affairs for the SPD in Brandenburg, has represented the interests of the energy company Leag, which operates the Jänschwalde opencast mine, in political debates regarding energy transition.
- Protests against open-cast mining have been a frequent occurrence in Brandenburg, with Steinbach's political opponents accusing him of supporting the unsustainable practice due to its ties with Leag.
- In a bid to show solidarity with those affected by the closure of the Jänschwalde opencast mine, the SPD organized a meeting in Steinbach, a small town in Brandenburg, to discuss the importance of energy security and the transition towards renewable sources.
- Critics argue that the SPD's support for both open-cast mining and renewable energy sources is inconsistent and undermines its commitment to environmental sustainability, a key concern for many German voters and mountain people affected by mining activities.
Source: www.stern.de
