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Bełchatów mine reclamation and workforce transition

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2026-10-10 06:57 UTC → 2026-10-22 12:41 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Bełchatów mine reclamation and ~~transformation~~ workforce transition

Following the conclusion of coal mining in the Bełchatów region later this year, authorities and PGE GiEK have ~~approved reclamation~~ formalized plans to transform the open-pit mine into a large-scale water, forest, and recreational complex. The ~~project, initiated by PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna,~~ project involves creating a reservoir covering approximately 1,556 hectares, which is expected to become Poland’s deepest ~~lake.~~ 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 ~~Bełchatów~~ 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.

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