Name of the Mine
Garzweiler mine.

Location
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

Mine Owner/s
RWE Power AG.

Brief Description
The Garzweiler is a large lignite (brown coal) surface mine that plays a significant role in Germany's energy production. The mine extracts up to 30-million tons of lignite a year for use in power plants. 

Brief History
The mine – named after the nearby village of Garzweiler – began operations in the early 1980s. The village had to be relocated due to the mine's expansion. The mine has been a focal point in the debate over energy policy and environmental impact in Germany, particularly regarding its effects on local communities and landscapes. Over the past 50 years, the mine’s expansion has led to the demolition of more than 20 villages.

Primary Metals/Minerals
Lignite.

Secondary Metals/Minerals
None.

Geology/Mineralisation
The Garzweiler mine is located in the Rhenish lignite mining region, which contains one of the biggest lignite deposits in Europe. The lignite is found in thick, extensive seams, making it economically feasible to extract using surface mining techniques.

Reserves
As of the latest available data, Garzweiler had lignite reserves estimated at 1.3-billion tonnes.

Resources
In addition to the proven reserves, the Garzweiler mine is believed to contain further substantial lignite resources, ensuring continued operations for decades under current extraction rates and energy policies.

Type of Mine
Opencast.

Mining Method
Continuous mining using bucket-wheel excavators, which are among the largest moving machines in the world.

Major Infrastructure/Equipment
The mine includes bucket-wheel excavators; conveyor belts for transporting lignite to processing and power plant facilities; infrastructure for the removal and management of overburden; on-site facilities for the maintenance and repair of mining equipment; administrative offices and support facilities; and infrastructure for water management and environmental monitoring.

Prospects
The future of the Garzweiler mine is closely tied to Germany's energy policy, particularly the phase-out of coal-fired power generation scheduled for 2038.  

Contact Details
RWE Power AG  
Tel +49 201 5179-0  
Email info@rwe.com  

Sources
RWE. Website: https://www.rwe.com/