New Procedures for the Reclamation of Areas after the End of Black Coal Mining

The activity started in Phase 1 of the project and work will continue until 2031

Partners involved in the activity: University of Mining and Metallurgy - Technical University of Ostrava, DIAMO and Główny Instytut Górnictwa

The activity is directly based on the Moravian-Silesian Adaptation Strategy of the Region for the Impacts of Climate Change and is aimed at transforming the 62 km² post-mining landscape of Karviná into a sustainable and attractive area.

Post-mining landscapes include tailing ponds, dumps, subsidence basins and other specific areas that often create extreme conditions. Paradoxically, however, these places are the cornerstones of landscape regeneration and serve as a refuge for rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Moreover, the subsidence basins typical for the Karviná region have exceptional water quality and are key natural features of the region.

In order to reintegrate these areas into the landscape, it is important to set limits for their further use and adopt appropriate approaches to reclamation. Priority is given to the restoration of green spaces, bio-belts and biodiversity centres, including wetlands and bodies of water. At the same time, it is necessary to define areas suitable for construction and leisure activities. The modern trend is to combine reclamation with adaptation measures, allowing the area to be used in accordance with ecological and social needs.

The first phase of the project defined the limits of the area, and a methodology for new reclamation practices will be developed by 2025. In the third and fourth phases of the project, at least two pilot sites will be reclaimed to test the new approaches in practice. The results will be presented to the professional community in order to inspire other regions in the Czech Republic and the EU. The pilot projects will also be presented on the MiSe Klima portal.