# Bełchatów mine reclamation and workforce transition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bechatw-mine-reclamation-and-transformation
> Updated: 2026-10-21T09:23:28.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Following the conclusion of coal mining in the Bełchatów region later this year, authorities and PGE GiEK have formalized plans to transform the open-pit mine into a large-scale water, forest, and recreational complex. 

The project involves creating a reservoir covering approximately 1,556 hectares, which is expected to become Poland’s deepest lake, with a planned depth of between 170 and 195 meters. The site is being referred to as the ‘Masurian Lakes of Bełchatów.’ To prepare the area, earth from the neighboring Szczerców field is being used to reshape shorelines and slopes. The filling process will involve a gradual reduction in drainage to allow groundwater to rise, supplemented by surface water. The plan also includes reclaiming 410 hectares of land for forestry.

Beyond recreational use, the site’s drainage system is intended to serve as a strategic resource, potentially providing the necessary water supply for planned nuclear power plant developments in the region. 

As part of the broader energy transition, PGE GiEK is managing the impact on the local workforce. A Voluntary Departure Program (PDO) has been implemented to address the loss of thousands of jobs as power blocks are phased out between 2030 and 2036. As of August, 628 employees across the PGE GiEK complex have utilized the program, which provides financial compensation based on the time remaining until retirement eligibility.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: PGE GiEK plans artificial lake at Bełchatów mine site

PGE GiEK plans to convert the Bełchatów open-pit mine into Poland's deepest artificial lake as part of an energy transition that includes workforce restructuring via voluntary departure programs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pge-giek-plans-artificial-lake-at-bechatw-mine-site

### 2026-10-10: Poland announces new nature reserve and Bełchatów mine reclamation plans

Poland sees the establishment of the Dolina Lutyni Nature Reserve and new reclamation plans for the Bełchatów mine to create a massive recreational water and forest complex.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-announces-new-nature-reserve-and-bechatw-mine-reclamation-plans

### 2026-09-28: Bełchatów mining field to become Poland’s deepest lake

The Bełchatów mining field will be transformed into Poland’s deepest lake and a large recreational complex following the end of coal mining, potentially supporting future nuclear power plants.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-infrastructure-modernization-completed-in-polish-municipalities

---
Cite as: Bełchatów mine reclamation and workforce transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bechatw-mine-reclamation-and-transformation