The Czech Environment Ministry on Friday issued a negative opinion on expanding the Polish Turów lignite mine near the Czech-Polish border, on the grounds of possible environmental damage. The Czech Republic’s Geological Survey and nearby Liberec region, which could be affected by the expansion, corroborated the statement.
If Poland ignores the opinion and steps up mining, the Czech Republic will demand financial compensation for potential damage, Polish PAP news agency reported. The Czechs also want provision of a wall that would prevent groundwater from flowing away. On top of that the Czech Republic demands long-term monitoring of groundwater and noise levels and alternative supplying of the affected municipalities with drinking water, if the mining activities lead to loss of groundwater.
The mine supplies lignite to the neighboring Turów power plant that generates 8 percent of Poland's energy supplies. The PGE Group miner, the owner of the plants, has plans to extract lignite there by 2044. The company intends to extend mining to 30 square kilometres and to the depth of 330 metres below the level of the surrounding area.
(mo)
Source: PAP