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Protest against new quarry: Niemberg is fighting for farmland!
In the Saale district, citizens are protesting against a new quarry in Niemberg, planned for 2026. Concerns about noise and the environment.
Protest against new quarry: Niemberg is fighting for farmland!
In Niemberg, a small town in the Saale district, things are boiling enormously. At the center of the conflict is the planned development of a new quarry by Mitteldeutsche Baustoffe GmbH, which is being heavily criticized by many residents and a citizens' initiative. Residents fear that the mining of porphyry rock not only causes noise and dust, but also endangers fertile arable land. As MDR reports, over 500 people have expressed their concerns in the form of protest letters to the State Office for Geology and Mining, while the authority's official decision is still pending.
The citizens' initiative not only mobilized the public, but also wrote to 97 members of the state parliament and got the mayor of the affected communities behind them. They are also against the project of Mitteldeutsche Baustoffe GmbH, which currently operates another quarry in the Saale district, whose permit is soon to expire. The porphyry deposits in this existing quarry are coming to an end, which is why the new opencast mine with a planned area of almost 52 hectares is urgently needed.
Environmental concerns and conservation
Another point that concerns many Niembergers is the proximity of the planned quarry to a nature reserve, the Burgstetten. Residents emphasize that the development of this area not only endangers the environment, but also significantly affects the quality of life of local people. A citizens' discussion is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2026, which could offer those affected a platform to make their concerns heard.
The background to the project is exciting: the mining rights for the new opencast mine were secured around 30 years ago. Porphyry, a volcanic rock, is formed by the slow cooling of magma and is mainly used in construction, especially in road construction. But despite these economic aspects, the question remains whether the associated disadvantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Conflict between development and nature conservation
While Mitteldeutsche Baustoffe GmbH undoubtedly senses good business, the conflict between the interests of the industry and the protection of the environment and quality of life of local residents is highly topical. It remains to be seen how the authorities and politicians will react to the citizens' initiative's protests. The decision is eagerly awaited and the affected communities are keeping a close eye on the situation.