Left-wing parties demand modernization of mining law for nature conservation

The Left Party in the Saxon state parliament wants to modernize mining law in favour of nature conservation. They do not want to prevent mining, but want to expand the one-sided consideration of economic interests to include the equal interests of local residents and the environment, said MP Antonia Mertsching on Thursday before a hearing on this topic in the state parliament.

At present, only the profitability calculations of companies decide whether raw material extraction takes place or not. "Individuals are enriching themselves at the expense of the general public when it comes to raw material extraction." Sustainable development actually means making do with what is available.

The Left Party is calling for, among other things, public participation even before the planning process. An overall assessment must take place in advance, they said. Residents and communities affected by mining must have a right to financial participation. The left-wing party also envisages a reversal of the burden of proof: The mining operator should provide proof that no damage has been caused by its conduct.