One of the largest open-pit mines in Czechia, the Vršany mine in the Most region, has undergone a detailed analysis, the results of which will enable responsible and transparent decision-making about its future use.
In recent years, experts from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at CZU who are involved in the RUR – Region for the University, University for the Region project have examined the site. As part of extensive monitoring, they assessed key parameters across hydrology, soil science, botany, and zoology, as well as landscape planning and the historical legacy of the mining site, which is nearing the end of its operation.
The current level of knowledge now provides a basis for decision-making by the widest possible range of users and authorities. The analytical phase symbolically concluded a field visit attended by the Governor of the Ústí nad Labem Region, Richard Brabec; representatives of local governments; executives of the companies concerned, and members of the public.
As with other former open-pit mines, plans for Vršany include creating a lake that will fill naturally. Part of the area will be left to natural regeneration processes, and the site will also be made accessible to the public. In view of the planned termination of coal mining in the coming years, experts are also exploring other potential uses for the mine. They are proactively initiating discussions involving the broadest possible range of stakeholders.
“Through the project, we want to provide those who will participate in decisions about the future use of the site with as much information as possible based on solid scientific data. That was the aim of the analytical phase, which we have now completed. In the autumn, we will continue with the design phase, which will take into account the views collected from the organizations involved,” said Kateřina Černý Pixová, project leader at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences of CZU Prague.
The project team considers the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders essential for effective decision-making, which will have a fundamental impact on the area´s future form. Early participation enables alignment of the final concept with the reclamation work already underway and prevents situations where implemented measures do not correspond to the area´s final use, resulting in inefficient investment. At the same time, it contributes to and facilitates a broader discussion about who will be responsible for managing and developing the area in the long term after mining operations cease. Experience from other sites shows that basic maintenance provided by the state alone is not sufficient to ensure the active development and use of areas of this size.
Regional institutions may play an important role in this respect. “Post-mining areas represent a major development opportunity for the Ústí nad Labem Region, but also a significant responsibility. It is therefore necessary to identify a suitable governance and management model well in advance, involving key stakeholders, including the region, municipalities, the state, and the private sector. Only in this way can we ensure that these areas develop meaningfully over the long term and are not left without a clear vision or defined responsibility,” said Governor of the Ústí nad Labem Region Richard Brabec.
The projected date for the termination of mining at the Vršany mine is around 2030, which means that only a limited amount of time remains for strategic decision-making regarding the area´s future. At the same time, however, it is important to recognize that developments in the energy sector and coal´s market position are dynamic and may still affect the final date. Rather than reducing the need for planning, this uncertainty makes it even more important to actively address future use now, rather than postpone key decisions.
“We welcome the fact that the analytical materials are being prepared sufficiently far in advance and as part of a broad professional and public discussion. Compared with some other sites, consideration of the area’s future has begun relatively early, which we regard as the right approach. At the same time, however, we recognize that the rapidly changing situation in the energy sector may further shorten the available timeframe, making it all the more important to address the area’s future direction actively today,” said Petr Lenc, CEO of Sev.en Česká energie.
Areas left to develop naturally without technical reclamation are among the most valuable parts of post-mining landscapes from a nature conservation perspective. Research conducted over the long term at sites in the Most region confirms their exceptional importance for biodiversity, including hundreds of rare and endangered plant and animal species. At the same time, this approach is gaining increasing support among the public and other stakeholders, who appreciate not only the natural value of these areas but also their potential for recreation, education, and sustainable tourism.
“Our experience from questionnaire surveys shows that people perceive areas undergoing natural succession much more positively than is often assumed. When they have an opportunity to discover their natural value directly in the field, their concerns usually disappear quickly. Such areas can protect rare species, remain accessible to the public, and offer considerable educational and recreational potential at the same time,” said Markéta Seidelová from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences of CZU Prague.
Expanding naturally regenerating areas and strengthening their protection would also create opportunities for the involvement of institutions experienced not only in caring for valuable natural sites, but also in developing and operating visitor infrastructure and managing the recreational use of landscapes.