Post-mining land uses in Germany: transforming mine and quarry sites into assets

Authors: Lottermoser, B Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_157

Cite As:
Lottermoser, B 2026, 'Post-mining land uses in Germany: transforming mine and quarry sites into assets', in AB Fourie, G Boggs, J Heyes & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2026: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-14, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2615_157



Abstract:
Germany has a long-standing tradition of repurposing mine and quarry sites, with community efforts to rehabilitate mined land and spoil heaps for parkland dating back to the early 1800s. The objective of this study is to report on post-mining land uses of mine and quarry sites in Germany. To identify such transformation outcomes, co-word and keyword literature searches were applied, coupled with site visits to selected locations. Based on such an analysis, there are > 800 repurposed mine and quarry sites in Germany (605 closed historic and 201 currently operating mines and quarries). Many of the closed historic mine and quarry sites are used for cultural and heritage purposes (e.g. museums and heritage trails, 38%). Others have been repurposed for new infrastructures (e.g. science and technology [S&T] parks, 17%), leisure activities (e.g. concert halls and art exhibitions, 14%) and mining landscapes (11%). Less common repurposing (< 5%) is for forestry and agricultural uses and sports venues, followed by new natural habitats, renewable energy production, wildlife conservation, medicinal and therapy treatment, food production and catering, education and research, as well as waste disposal and storage. At these historic repurposed mine and quarry sites, nonprofit organisations predominantly look after cultural and heritage venues, whereas > 120 for-profit companies pursue manufacturing activities. By contrast, at operating mines and quarries, the dominant repurposing has shifted to wildlife conservation (18%) and renewable energy production (15%). Evidently, in Germany there has been effective transformation of > 800 mines and quarries to innovative and beneficial post-mining land and infrastructure uses. The documented transformations offer transferable insights for mining-dependent economies, emphasising an appropriate regulatory regime, sufficient financial resourcing, early engagement of stakeholders and timely planning of integrated post-mining land uses to achieve sustainable repurposing of mines and quarries.

Keywords: transformation, repurposing, post-mining, land use, Germany

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