At the end of January 2026, the CSM deep coal mine in Stonava will haul its final tons of black coal, closing a story that began over 250 years ago. ⛏️🌍
Located near the Polish border in the heart of the Ostrava region, the state-owned OKD mine powered Central Europe’s heavy industry since the late 18th century. Investors like the Rothschild family once poured money into railways, steelworks and more, turning rural fields into a roaring industrial hub.🚂🏭
OKD had planned to shut down three years ago, but the 2022 conflict between Russia and Ukraine sent energy prices soaring and bought the mine a short-lived extension.
This month, with low coal prices and Europe’s shift to cleaner energy, demand has fizzled out. OKD director Roman Sikora says it’s the mine’s own depth—kilometre after kilometre underground—that made operations too costly. “Global coal prices are low, while our mining costs are ever greater with the ever greater depths we go to,” he explained.
For miners like Grzegorz Sobolewski, it’s a gritty farewell. “It is sad that the shaft is ending, it is hard work but good work,” said the Polish miner, who’s now eyeing new jobs across the border. “I will miss the work, I will miss the shearer.” 🚧
As the last underground trains roll into darkness and headlamps fade, the region faces a post-coal future. Can new industries breathe life into this industrial heartland? 🌱🏗️ Stay tuned as Central Europe charts its next chapter beyond coal.
Reference(s):
Last Czech deep coal mine closes as centuries-old industry winds down
cgtn.com
