Landscape changes due to lignite mining – a case study of the town of Šoštanj and its surroundings

Abstract

The surface around the town of Šoštanj has been heavily transformed by many years of coal mining. The extraction of the lignite, which is excavated using a special method, resulted in an extensive subsidence of the surface. The subsidence areas were flooded, creating the Šalek Lakes, including the Družmirje (Šoštanj) Lake, which is still growing. This caused significant changes in the cultural landscape and hydrological conditions. With the formation of the lake, several villages completely or partially disappeared, and all infrastructure in the subsidence area was interrupted and destroyed.