SN–CZ–Plus
Development of a Saxon-Czech cooperation strategy for raw materials technology
The project focuses on the question of possible conflicts, especially with water sources and the risk of deformation of the land surface when exploiting the potential of critical raw materials and decorative stones in the border area between Bohemia and Saxony. The approach to these issues will be discussed with the administrative authorities in the regions and the regional mining authorities and demonstrated directly during excursions with the participation of the interested public, experts from research institutions, schools and mining organizations. The conclusions of the workshops and consultations will be translated into a common strategy for the elimination of risks in the extraction of critical and strategic raw materials and ornamental stones in the area concerned. The “recomine SN-CZ-Plus” project is funded by the EU Interreg program “Cooperation Saxony – Czech Republic 2021-2027”.
Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology
Dr. Maria Hess
Project support
+49 351 260 4435
m.hess@hzdr.de
Actively informing the public
The strategy will be the result of the joint work of the Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF) and the Czech Geological Survey (ČGS), a document to support national and regional authorities and a recommended approach for mining and exploration companies. It will also serve as a tool for the interested public to check the environmental compatibility of the procedures to be carried out. It is intended to strengthen public confidence in the environmentally sound extraction of raw materials, taking into account acceptable impacts on the aquatic environment and the land surface. The topic of historical underground mining will also be brought to the attention of the public through publications.
Border as a bridge
The work of the project serves to protect people and the environment in the mining areas of the Czech-Saxon border region. Old mining sites in particular represent a considerable environmental hazard potential. Acid mine water and weathering processes in old mine workings can pollute groundwater and soils both in the region and beyond. By working together with experts to develop a strategy based on the knowledge of both sides of the cross-border regions, joint regulations for environmentally friendly mining can be developed and implemented by the authorities in the affected region. This will minimize the risk of damage to people and the environment and make mining more sustainable.
Partner
Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (Lead Partner)
Czech Geological Survey (PP1)
Time span
October 5, 2023 to June 30, 2027
HZDR funding amount
€ 376,396.82
Project Poster
Saxon-Czech network for geology and the environment to be further developed
The 5th workshop of the EU Interreg cooperation project recomine SN-CZ-Plus took place on the 9th and 10th of June 2026 in Varnsdorf, Czech Republic, as well as an excursion on the 11th of June in Sohland . In addition to the interesting specialist presentations on critical mineral resources and rock extraction in the Šluknov and Sohland border region by the Saxon State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology, the Czech Geological Survey (Česká geologická služba), Beak Consultants GmbH, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu), the Varnsdorf region and the Czech Ministry of the Environment (Ministerstvo životního prostředí), participants were able to visit quarries and historic mining sites as part of the field trips, including Schweidrich, Šluknov, the Císařský lom quarry, Lobendava, Rožany and Jiřetín pod Jedlovou on the Czech side, as well as the Rožany ore dump and the important strategic quarries at Sora and Ebersbach on the German side.
We would like to thank all participants and speakers and look forward to the next workshop as part of the project on the topic of ‘Primary Ores’, which will take place on 16–17 September 2026 in Annaberg-Buchholz.