In the dispute over the extension of the license for the Nochten opencast lignite mine (Görlitz district), the deadline for comments and objections to the project expired on Friday night. Up to and including May 4th (Thursday), the affected public could submit their objections and statements to the Saxon Oberbergamt, as the authority announced on request. The Oberbergamt should decide whether to continue the opencast mine after 2026, as its approval is limited.
At the same time, the authorities whose interests are affected, as well as other public bodies and recognized nature conservation associations, were also able to submit their statements or objections. According to the Oberbergamt, information about the number of objections can only be given in the coming week, since the objections received must first be checked.
In addition, a broad alliance of environmental associations, climate groups and local initiatives wants to demonstrate on Sunday at the Nochten opencast mine for an earlier phase-out of lignite use. According to plans by the energy company Leag, around 270 million tons of coal are to be mined in the Nochten opencast mine. The phase-out of coal in Lusatia is currently planned for 2038. From the point of view of climate activists, this is incompatible with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees.
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) had already spoken out in favor of an early exit from coal in the East, but assured that this would have to be agreed by consensus. However, many activists do not believe in sufficient negotiation results between politicians and energy companies. The political leaders should rather listen to the scientific situation, demanded Saxony’s green youth. In addition, the environmental network Green League warned that the consequences of the Nochten opencast mine could become an eternity burden for public coffers.
