OKD Begins Closure and Reclamation of ČSM Mine in the Czech Republic

OKD has finished building all 87 explosion‑resistant dams that seal the workings of the ČSM Mine. As of today the company started a continuous 24‑hour fill of the southern vent shaft, using about 45,000 m³ of slurry for an estimated eleven‑day period. A similar fill of the northern shaft is planned for September, followed by December work on the initial shaft with a cement‑fly‑ash mix, and a final fill of the remaining chambers by the fourth quarter of 2028. The whole programme is backed by a financial reserve of CZK 3.3 billion.

The closure also includes demolition of surface buildings, removal of back‑fill material and the creation of a landscaped final cover. OKD has installed degassing pipelines in the mine and its vent shafts to enable future methane extraction. Over the past 18 months the company has laid off more than 1,500 workers; some have found new employment while others continue to face health problems linked to years of underground work.