Dangers

Extraction and burning of lignite in and around Turów mine and power plant has a long-lasting environmental impact on Czech, German and Polish territories.

The transboundary area is being called “Black Triangle” due to high levels of pollution. The most harm is done to water resources, which are also the most endangered environment’s element due to climate change.

Opposition

The expansion and prolongation of mining in Turów up to 2044 is being opposed by the threatened inhabitants of Czechia, who already suffer the negative consequences of lignite mining. Czech border area is threatened above all by the depletion of drinking water resources for nearly 30.000 inhabitants. The nearest Czech town Uhelná is located only 1.000 m from the Czech-Polish border and a little more than 1 km from the planned mine. Expansion of the mine will also lead to destruction of a major part of the Opolno Zdrój spa in Poland, which is a historical heritage and as such should be legally protected. The remaining small part of the town, with its inhabitants, according to PGE’s plans is to be left on the edge of the open pit. Also the residents of nearby German towns are opposing the mine, fearing air pollution and noise, negative impacts on surface water bodies, and not agreeing to new projects that lead to climate change.