Green Mine Project
Implementation underway:
Green Mine has entered its first phase
A sustainable transformation of the former coal-mining area in the Most region is now underway.
The strategic Green Mine project has entered its first phase of implementation. Its main goal is to provide a sustainable future for the area surrounding the technical infrastructure of the ČSA open-cast lignite mine and the former Centrum underground mine, while also addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges—both within the site itself and across the broader region.
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
Programme title: Operational Programme Just Transition
Project registration number: CZ.10.02.01/00/24_048/0000375
Project holder: Sev.en Inntech a.s.
Project Partners:
- Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze (The Czech University of Life Sciences)
- Hospodářská a sociální rada Ústeckého kraje, z.s. (The Economic and Social Council of the Ústí region)
- Univerzita Jana Evangelisty Purkyně v Ústí nad Labem (Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem)
- Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická v Praze (The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague)
- VUHU a.s. (The Brown Coal Research Institute)
- Výzkumný ústav pro krajinu, v. v. i. (Institute for Landscape Research)
Implementation period: 1. 1. 2024 – 31. 12. 2027
Eligible costs: 639 392 044,64 CZK
Funding: 530 313 181,48 CZK
The implementation of the Green Mine project is divided into three thematic areas that complement each other and together form the foundation for the renewal and development of the entire territory. Each area includes specific sub-projects focused on land preparation, the development of innovative energy solutions, and support for the people who will live, work, or study in the newly emerging environment. The themes are structured as follows:
- Land Preparation involves key steps in preparing the site from technical, landscape, and urban planning perspectives to enable further development.
- Development Projects focus on innovation and research that open up new possibilities for the use of the post-mining landscape.
- Human Resources, Outreach, and Education aim to strengthen skills, promote education, and communicate the project’s vision and progress to the public.
The renewal of land after coal mining starts with the basics – accessibility, infrastructure, and respect for the natural environment. This first thematic area therefore focuses on three key aspects: transport, landscape design, and urban planning.
As part of the public backbone road, a new ring road will be constructed to provide access to the Nové Komořany site and connect it to key transport routes in the area, specifically to main road I/13. This will open up the territory to the wider public and investors, creating the necessary conditions for its future active use.
At the same time, landscape revitalization and the development of blue-green infrastructure are underway. This includes three components: restoring the area around the Bílina river, planting greenery along the new road, and creating a nature and recreation zone in the area of the Obránců míru spoil tip. These interventions will enhance the site's ecological stability while offering space for relaxation, sports, and connection with nature.
This phase of the project also includes the preparation of a development zone in the area of the former Centrum underground coal mine. The goal is to lay the groundwork for its future industrial use—taking into account the unique character of the site, its limitations, and its long-term development potential.
Transforming a post-mining landscape is not only a technical or landscaping challenge—it also represents a unique opportunity for research, innovation, and the creation of forward-looking solutions. The second thematic area of the Green Mine project focuses on scientific and research activities that accompany and enrich the revitalization of the territory.
As part of this area, expert research centers are being established under the leadership of project partners in cooperation with universities and research institutions. Their goal is to deepen our understanding of landscape transformation and explore options for its sustainable and efficient use.
Research is concentrated in three core domains. The Environmental Domain focuses on sustainable landscape renewal. It examines development scenarios, explores effective reclamation methods, and evaluates the potential use of land for cultivating energy crops. Great emphasis is placed on biodiversity protection, water management, and the application of blue-green infrastructure principles.
The Climate Domain seeks new pathways to energy self-sufficiency and ecological transformation of the region. It addresses the use of alternative raw materials, the development of community energy systems, and the creation of new local economies to replace industries phased out alongside coal mining.
The Digital Domain develops virtual tools to support data-driven planning and management of land transformation. This includes the creation of a “digital twin” of the site—a sophisticated 3D model that enables simulation and evaluation of various development scenarios. The research also explores participatory digital tools to involve the public in shaping future settlements.
The transformation of a post-mining landscape is not only about technical solutions—it also deeply affects the lives of people in the region. This thematic area focuses on education, workforce development, and the promotion of key topics connected to the revitalization of the territory.
One of the main challenges is the loss of jobs following the closure of the ČSA lignite mine. The project therefore introduces activities aimed at developing new skills and providing retraining opportunities. Local residents will be able to prepare for employment in emerging sectors—such as renewable energy, landscape management, water infrastructure, or environmental technologies. The goal is to build a bridge between the end of the coal era and the rise of future-oriented industries.
At the same time, strong emphasis is placed on educating the younger generation. The project supports programs for primary and secondary school students that promote energy and environmental literacy—helping them understand how renewable energy works, how to store it, how landscapes evolve, why water protection matters, and how to reduce ecological footprints. University students are also offered internships and practical placements, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with the project and gain hands-on experience in sustainable transformation.
