Czech Republic to end hard coal mining after 250 years

The Czech Republic is set to end hard coal mining after 250 years. Operations at the country’s last deep coal mine, the ČSM mine in the Karviná region, will cease at the end of January, with the final cart of coal expected to be brought to the surface on Saturday, closing one of the key chapters of Czech industry that shaped the region as well as the country’s economy and energy sector.

The technical liquidation of the ČSM mine is expected to take around three years, during which OKD will retain about 600 employees. At the same time, the company is launching a new business plan extending to 2050, including the capture and use of mine gas. Mining of brown coal in the Czech Republic is also due to finish by 2030.