Short Wave

This Huge Mining Pit Is About To Be A Lake

25 snips
Dec 18, 2024
Willa Rubin, a producer from Planet Money, shares insights on an ambitious project in Germany that transforms an old mining pit into the country's largest artificial lake. She discusses the fascinating challenges of balancing ecological health with resource management. Topics include the necessity of careful scientific research to combat the high acidity in water and the strategies used to ensure shoreline stability. The conversation also touches on urban planning and the creation of vibrant recreational areas for future generations.
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ANECDOTE

Cottbus and its Mines

  • Cottbus, a city southeast of Berlin, has many former lignite mines.
  • These abandoned pits are being transformed into lakes, the largest being Cottbusser Ostsee.
INSIGHT

Germany's Largest Artificial Lake

  • The largest artificial lake in Germany will be Cottbusser Ostsee.
  • It's named after the Baltic Sea, reflecting the city's ambition for a similar coastal experience.
INSIGHT

Mine to Lake Transformation

  • After mining stops, groundwater naturally refills the pits, creating lakes.
  • This process can be slow, taking decades, and the returning groundwater is often very acidic.
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