Hambach Mine
CountryGermany
RegionRhineland
Year Opened1978
Size/Depth433 m deep
MineralCoal
About Hambach Mine
The deepest open-pit mine in Germany at 433 m. Extracts lignite, the lowest grade of coal. The adjacent Hambach Forest became a symbol of climate protest. Police spent years clearing treehouse occupations from the ancient woods. Courts halted further forest clearing in 2018. Giant bucket wheel excavators run day and night.
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