End of an Era: Last Czech Black Coal Shaft Closes

The last Czech black coal shaft, a symbol of the industrial powerhouse of Central Europe, will close at the end of January. Low coal prices and Europe's transition to cleaner energy accelerates the end of deep coal mining, affecting local economies and employment opportunities.

The last Czech black coal shaft will close by the end of January, marking the end of an era in Central Europe. For over 250 years, deep mining powered heavy industry, with the CSM mine in Stonava being the final holdout. However, low coal prices and Europe's shift towards cleaner energy have brought this once-thriving industry to its knees, impacting local economies and workforce dynamics.

Miners are making their last descents into the shaft, as machines reach the coal face one final time. Grzegorz Sobolewski, a miner, expressed sadness over the closure, highlighting the challenging yet rewarding nature of the work. Despite OKD's attempts to extend operations following the energy market volatility caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the deep mine's high operational costs remain a significant obstacle.

Historically, coal mining transformed Ostrava from a rural area into a key industrial hub, but the decline began after the fall of communism in 1989. Efforts to mitigate the economic impact include foreign investments and EU support funds. OKD plans to refocus on ventures like coal trading and a new methane-fueled plant to adapt to the new reality.

(With inputs from agencies.)