The Hambach coal mine, known as Tagebau Hambach, is a significant open-pit lignite mine located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, primarily operated by RWE Power AG. Here are the key details about the mine:
Location and Size
- Coordinates: 50.891826, 6.5734464
- Area: The mine covers approximately 4,380 hectares, with an approved maximum size of 8,500 hectares, making it the largest open pit mine in Germany.
- Depth: The mine reaches depths of up to 500 meters, with its lowest point being 299 meters below sea level, the deepest artificial point in North Rhine-Westphalia.
History and Operations
- Opening Year: Operations began in 1978, following the acquisition of the Hambach Forest by RWE in the same year.
- Production: The mine produced about 23.61 million tonnes of lignite in 2021, with an annual production capacity of around 40 million tonnes at its peak.
- Total Reserves: It is estimated that 1,350 million tonnes of lignite remain available for extraction, with RWE holding extraction rights until 2040.
Environmental Impact
- The mine has significantly impacted the surrounding environment, particularly the Hambach Forest, which has been largely cleared for mining. Only about 10% of the original forest area remains.
- The mining operations have led to extensive protests, particularly regarding plans to expand mining into remaining forest areas, which are home to numerous protected species.
Future Plans
- Closure: The mine is scheduled to cease operations in 2029 as part of Germany’s coal phase-out plan.
- Post-Mining Use: Plans are in place to transform the mined area into a lake, utilizing groundwater and water from the Rhine River for filling. There are also considerations for developing a pumped-storage power plant on the site.
Overall, the Hambach coal mine represents a complex intersection of energy production, environmental concerns, and socio-political dynamics in Germany.
