The destruction of surface coal mining, where some of our Czech Interwar Art Glass came from.

The Czech Republic is a scenic and beautiful country, with many natural resources. It is with sadness that I learned recently about the ravages and result of the long term surface coal mining, especially in the North West regions. This location was also the area where several well known Bohemian and Czech glass producers had their glass facilities during the 19th and 20th century.

I am showing two well known Glassworks which are not in the midst of this mining industry. It is a testament to the attractive stability of the natural Czech landscape over more than a century.

The pollution and toxic fall out from the surface mining enterprises are poison for the population, many long standing towns such as Most, to the South West of Teplice, have been the most affected. Today there is a continuing effort to rebuild and cover the ugly remains of what happened there with eventual regrowth of natural ground cover and other means. Tourism is also a new experience for this country, since the 1990s, one that will provide much needed revenue and is also sought after.

From wikipedia: "Most lies at the heart of the northern Bohemian lignite-mining region and serves as an important industrial railway junction. During the latter half of the 20th century, Most was considered to be one of the most polluted Coal mining towns in communist Czechoslovakia. Most's other industries includes textile, ceramics, steel, and chemicals.
Foreign mining operations continue to operate in the area in the 21st century. Some surrounding villages are planned to be abandoned due to surface mining. However environmental conditions have improved in recent years around Most, in particular the growing of apples and grape vines has developed.

The country is in a major conflict about increasing their mining operations to areas which were not permitted since 1991, and much of the population is against any more of this awful ravage of their land. People have been displaced due to the toxic pollution and the health dangers it causes. Moved from their homes, the Soviet type apartment buildings.

This is a world wide issue today, the ever increasing use of coal as a fuel source, instead of developing other means of energy which are less damaging to the environment. It is happening in the USA's Appalachian mountain range, with dreadful results.

Image 1 - Nizbor: Ruckl's Glass and Crystal production plant still in operation since late 19th century.

Image 2 - Harrachov: What remains today of the long standing Harrach glassworks location, which has been metamorphosed into a tourist destination, with many amenities and the Harrach Glass Museum.

Image 3 - Map of the Northern Bohemia coal basin, and it's current situation. From wikipedia.

Image 4 - The horrid example of a wonderful historical Bohemian castle on a hill, overlooking the bulldozed surrounding fields and the loss of the natural habitat of flora and fauna. Jeze?í Chateau above the Czechoslovak Army Mine in Mostecko, from wikipedia.