Evolution of f He Lignite industry In the Rhineland across 100 Years of ' Rheinische AKtiengesellschaft fur Braunkohlenbergbau und Brikettfabrikation'

摘要

Rheinische Aktiengesellschaft fur Braunkohlenbergbau und Brikettfabrikation was set up in the year 1908, and this event heralded an unprecedented streamlining of the lignite industry as it grew and developed in the Rhenish mining area. It paved the way for a bundling of forces that had become necessary in the sector's recent history if it was going to successfully face the upcoming challenges on the commodity and energy markets and in the mining sector/The amalgamation of the many Rhenish mining companies also enabled the industry to safeguard its interests more forcefully and effectively in its dealings with other market players and policy-makers. In the light of today's discussions about raw-material shortages, sustainable energy supply, climate protection and emissions trading, lignite is again facing huge challenges, just as it once did. Even if these are new and of a different nature, the course taken 100 years ago may provide pointers for the future alignment of the Rhenish lignite-mining industry. In view of the ongoing efforts made to gain acceptance among citizens, policy-makers and business, backed by an internal promotion of knowledge transfer and further education, the systematic use of technical progress to improve the competitive situation, and a far-sighted gearing of the product portfolio to growth markets, Rhenish lignite is creating a sound basis that will enable it to successfully meet tomorrow's challenges in a time-tested manner.