Czech coal mine in Stonavá: Fueling power as its end nears
- The CSM coal mine in the Czech Republic is part of a historically significant coal mining region and employs approximately 3,500 workers.
- The mine's operations have been extended due to an energy crisis caused by the EU's ban on Russian coal, despite high pollution levels in nearby cities.
- The Czech government plans to phase out coal by 2033, but currently, coal-fired power plants supply a significant portion of the country's electricity.
In the northeastern region of the Czech Republic, the CSM coal mine continues to operate, providing essential fuel for electricity and heat. This mine is part of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, which has a rich history of coal mining spanning 250 years. Despite the environmental concerns associated with coal mining, including high pollution levels in nearby cities, the Czech government has extended mining operations due to an energy crisis exacerbated by the EU's ban on Russian coal following the war in Ukraine. Currently, around 3,500 workers are employed at the mine, which is expected to continue operations until at least early 2026. The Czech government has plans to phase out coal by 2033, aiming to shift towards nuclear and renewable energy sources, but the reliance on coal-fired power plants remains significant, producing about 40% of the country's electricity, which is notably higher than the EU average. The situation highlights the tension between energy needs and environmental responsibilities, as the country navigates its energy future amidst ongoing global challenges.