EMERALD GREEN LAKE AT BABINA MINE

In the former Babina pit multicoloured post-mining waterbodies can be observed. In the case of former clay pits, the waters are often of acidic to neutral pH and appear green (although clear) due to the growth of algae. An interesting assemblage of aquatic plant species is clearly visible. In this location, denoted “B2” in historical mining maps, clay was extracted and supplied to the neighbouring brickworks as early as the 1920s. Following the closure of the clay pit around 1945, brown coal was also mined in the opencast mine over a short period from 1957-1959. An additional pit, denoted “B1” and situated immediately to the southwest of the former, was active from 1953-1956.