Mining Environmental information Information

Would you like to view environmental information, such as data on the condition of the air, water, soil or landscape in mining areas in your region? You can view and request this information from the relevant authorities.

In Germany, the government and public administration bodies actively inform the general public about the environment. Every person is entitled to free access to environmental information via these bodies that are obliged to provide information.

Environmental information provides information about

• the state of the environment, human health and safety,
• factors, activities and measures that have an impact on the environment,
• environmental law,
• political programs relating to the environment.

You can also request specific data from the authorities yourself, for example on air and water quality and data on biotopes and protected areas.

If you wish to receive certain environmental information, you can apply to the competent authority. You do not have to prove a legal interest.

In the mining sector, for example, the following information is of interest:

• Flow paths and nature of ground and surface water,
• effects on soil, fauna and flora and
• Holders and terms of mining licenses in a particular area.

You can gain access to environmental information, for example, by requesting information or inspecting files.

Your application must specify the exact information you require, i.e. the body must be able to identify what information you need from it.

Every person has the right to view and request environmental information about bodies that are obliged to provide information.

• Objection
• Possible action before the administrative court

The fees are determined according to the effort required to obtain the information. If the authority rejects the application, no costs are incurred.

The bodies required to provide information do not include certain federal authorities that are involved in legislation and federal courts that do not perform public administration tasks.