Greenpeace protest against Turow mine expansion

Czech, German and Polish environmental activists came together at a tri-point near their common border at mid-day on Sunday to protest against the proposed enlargement of Poland’s Turow brown coal mine and plans to extend mining in the area until 2044.

The protest, organized by Greenpeace, highlights the treat to nearby communities in terms of air and ground water pollution.

The Turow mine now covers 45 square kilometres but there are plans to expanded it to 55 square kilometres and deepen it by around 75 metres to release hundreds of millions of tons of coal over the next 25 years.

The Czech Republic has repeatedly protested against the plans and has even asked the European Commission to review the proposed enlargement of the mine.

Depending on its outcome, the Czech environment and foreign ministries many propose further steps, such as a complaint to the European Court of Justice.