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First-Ever F60 Conveyor Demolition Brings Down Jänschwalde Giant

The unprecedented blast clears the site for months of dismantling and a planned shift to lakes, wind and solar development.

Overview

  • The F60 overburden conveyor at the former Jänschwalde open-cast mine was brought down Thursday morning in a controlled explosion, marking the first detonation of an F60 machine.
  • Roughly 66 kilograms of cutting charges were installed over about a month after years of preparation to sever the steel structure.
  • A wide exclusion zone and a drone flight ban were enforced for the operation, which was broadcast via livestream.
  • LEAG expects dismantling and scrapping to run through autumn as the site moves to renaturation with three lakes and large-scale renewable energy projects.
  • Published figures on remaining steel to be scrapped conflict, with reports citing 13,000 tonnes versus 31,000 tonnes, while Brandenburg’s leader Dietmar Woidke publicly thanked workers in an emotional farewell.