Bełchatów Coal Mine

51º 15' 33'' N 19º 18' 50'' E

Poland

Poland

Description

The Bełchatów coal mine is a large mine in the centre of Poland in Bełchatów, Łódź Voivodeship, 150 km west of the capital, Warsaw. Bełchatów represents one of the largest coal reserve in Poland having estimated reserves of 1,930 million tonnes of lignite coal.

Extracted Materials

In 2015, the mine produced 42.1 million tonnes of lignite (66.7% of Poland's total lignite production).

Antropological info

The comparative analysis of the models allows for observing topography changes resulting from anthropogenic transformations related to the construction of the Brown Coal Open Mine Bełchatow and Power Plant complex.

Sociologal info

As the first ones are exhausted, the operators are trying to dig another, the Zloczew mine, which would displace 3,000 people – and release tonnes of toxic heavy metals into the soil and water. This would not only be environmentally devastating, but hugely expensive, and is being met with fierce opposition. In a separate case, we're challenging the mine. Head of ClientEarth Poland’s energy team Ilona Jedrasik said: “The damage this mine would cause, socially and environmentally, cannot be overstated. It is a catastrophe, not just for the thousands of people whose way of life would be bulldozed to make way for it, but for the landmass it will destroy – and all to feed a hugely polluting coal plant. From seismic tremors to chemical leakage, it is extremely hard to see how PGE can justify this project.”

Archaeological info

The authors analyze topography changes related to the construction and operation of the Bełchatów Brown Coal Open Mine and Power Plant, one of Europe's larger open-pit mines, situated in central Poland. In order to achieve this, a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) is prepared, based on archival materials from the pre-investment period. Source materials include German topographical maps, issued in 1944 by the Supreme High Command of the German Army.

Sustainable tourism insights

The largest brown coal mine in Poland offers three forms of exploration. The standard tour consists of the screening in the hall of tradition and observation decks. The second option includes the screening and the exploration of the excavation under basic machines. There is also the non-standard variant during which visitors can explore the chosen area of the mine's activity. The wind power plant was built on its top. What is more, ski lift, ski slope, and summer luge track operate on its slopes. The spoil tip also consists of over 40 km of bike trails, mini playground and climbing wall.

Environment sustainability

Poland generates most of its electricity from coal, but under rising pressure from the EU and with carbon emission costs surging, it has encouraged more investment in low-emission sources.