Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola University, Bochum, Germany:

Kretschmann J., Professor, Doctor, President, Juergen.Kretschmann@thga.de

Mining has deeply influenced the social, economic and ecological development of many regions by changing the landscapes, cities and population structures. Beside of this mining has always created all kinds of cultural artefacts from jewelry to miner´s songs, that can be called mining heritage. Especially, built heritage is one of the most identity-performing cultural artefacts of a modern society. In our fast-moving globalized world, there is a need to preserve, develop and present these artefacts, especially mine sites, as a distinct and important contribution to a sustainable development of each mining region. The idea of preservation of decommissioned industrial sites to keep the regional identity started parallel to the decline of the heavy industry in the Ruhr region. In 2007, a political understanding was arranged to phase out German hard coal mining in a socially acceptable manner by the end of 2018. This decision required a new strategy for the coal mining industry. Being strictly finalized, the German hard coal mining industry has to be prepared for the post-mining era. To create a sustainable development strategy, the long-term impacts of coal mining activities in Germany concerning the environmental, economic and social dimensions will be analyzed systematically and forward-looking. The regional and social responsibility during the closing process and for the post-mining era will be emphasized. High technical standards in environmental protection and postmining technologies, as well as long-term experiences in the development of former mine sites to create new jobs are significant from an international point of view. The traditionally constructive social partnership between employers, union, and employees has enabled long-term stable adaption processes and avoided social friction. The sustainability strategy of the German hard coal mining industry can be regarded as a role model for other mining countries and regions facing similar transition challenges.

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