ČSA mine reclamation fund dispute

Northern Energy (Severní energetická), a subsidiary of Sev.en Česká energie, announced plans to independently allocate savings from the ČSA brown-coal mine reclamation directly to local municipalities. The company stated it would bypass the State Environmental Fund (SFŽP) due to a lack of response from the fund, asserting, “Jsme připraveni vstoupit do přímého dialogu se zástupci obcí z okolí lomu.” This move follows a government-approved “succession reclamation” approach that allows for natural regeneration of the site.

Environmental NGOs, including Greenpeace Czech Republic and Hnutí Duha, criticized the decision, suggesting the shift toward natural succession—which could save approximately one billion CZK—is an attempt to retain funds.

Following these developments, the Czech National Center for Combating Organized Crime (NCOZ) launched an investigation into matters related to brown coal mine reclamation, specifically focusing on the ČSA mine. The investigation reportedly concerns a problematic contract between the state and the Tykač group. Simultaneously, Environment Minister Igor Červený expressed intent to return all parties to the original agreement, which mandates distributing funds to municipalities through the State Environmental Fund.