Czechia turned a former coal mine into a 309-hectare lake up to 75 metres deep

In Czechia, former coal mines are being transformed into large lakes, with Lake Most being a notable example. Completed in 2014, the lake covers an area of 309 hectares and reaches depths of up to 75 meters. However, the idea of flooding old mines is facing challenges due to climate change, which reduces water availability and increases evaporation from large bodies of water.

This could result in significant expenses for water replenishment. In response, the Czech Ministry of the Environment is now supporting ecological restoration, allowing some areas to flood naturally while others are developed for energy infrastructure. The shift towards natural processes aims to create a harmonious balance between economic uses and the preservation of biodiversity.