Comments on the situation of mining in Germany

The issue of securing Germany's industrial position needs to remain at the very top of the political agenda. The economic recovery must not obscure existing structural problems. In the raw material's industry security for planning and political decisions with a sense for perspective are indispensable. The call for a CO2-linked energy levy must finally be abandoned. Lignite and hardcoal, together with nuclear energy, are the major pillars of our electricity supply. They provide for a balanced energy mix in Germany. Domestic coal-hardcoal and lignite - have different tasks and load ranges in the energy mix. Both energies are needed. Despite the declining development of the mining industry this industry continues to be the basis for modern technology and future-oriented markets. (orig.)