Introduction

Abstract

It is generally accepted that significant degradation of the landscape occurs during the mining of most raw materials. The extent of the impact depends on the type and scale of the mining operation. Mining of coal and lignite, two of the most important materials for generating energy, has affected large areas in many countries. Past coal and lignite mining carried out on a small scale had little impact on the environment. Nature recovered from the negative influence of such small-scale mining activities without any human help. However, in the 19^th and 20^th centuries gigantic open pit coal and lignite mining was introduced in many countries to generate sufficient energy for an increasing world population. The technology of the large-scale open pit coal and lignite mining has been accompanied by radical alterations of landscape and significant impact on the environment.