Post-mining potentials and redevelopment of former mining regions in Central Europe – Case studies from Germany and Slovenia

Abstract

This article discusses the character of post-mining potentials and their role in regional development in a German and Slovenian mining region. The many possible uses often include renewable energies (biomass, geothermal energy), or tourism (museums). Discussing two case study regions, this article presents similarities and differences in approaches towards the utilisation of potentials, and compares factors that influence utilisation with reference to national framework conditions. The text argues that in the context of structural change and mine closures, the use of post-mining potentials, such as post-mining landscapes, infrastructures and traditions, can be a way to explore new development options for affected regions.

Spatial and social changes caused by the continuous exploitation of lignite in the Kolubara lignite basin, the Republic of Serbia

“…Spatial changes are also defined as degraded fields or land, woodland, geothermal water or other natural elements which have been modified by mining. Cultural potentials which can be modified by the mining include technological heritage, infrastructure, production facilities and housing (Marot and Harfst, 2012). During the process of claiming land for the purpose of surface exploitation, a conflict between of two important activities which are equally treated in most countries: the production of mineral raw materials and the production of food (Spasi} et al 2005).…”

Utilizing the past: Valorizing post-mining potential in Central Europe

“…Today, rather small-scale measures distributed on a competitive basis via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) or rural development funds (LEADER) are the main instruments that provide financial support for the affected regions. In this context, these regions rely increasingly on their own capacities and potential to master structural adjustment, something that is especially scarce in regions outside of any agglomerations (Harfst and Wirth, 2011;Marot and Harfst, 2012) (Table 1).…”

“…The region covers the former coal-mining towns of Zagorje ob Savi, Trbovlje and Hrastnik and had approximately 45,000 inhabitants in 2012 (Marot and Harfst, 2012). Since 1755, brown coal mining has taken place in the area, with the establishment of accompanying industries such as metal processing, energy production, chemical industries, and glass production, all of which have marked the region as heavily industrialized since the turn of the 20th century (Marot and Č ernič-Mali, 2012).…”

Transformation of industrial heritage: An example of tourism industry development in the Ruhr area (Germany)

“…Germany has more projects utilizing natural potentials than other Central European countries, and also best scores regarding innovativeness and sustaina-bility. This is a result of the better framework conditions (state support, larger development areas available, greater environmental awareness) (Marot, Harfst, 2012). Any utilization of mining and post-mining potentials requires cooperation and coordination of several actors in order to establish good and coherent projects (Fischer, Stranz, 2011).…”