Stassfurt's Development has worldwide Relevance

Interview with Armin Forker

Following the opening of the world’s first potash mines, Staßfurt experienced an unforeseen period of prosperity. The first signs of subsidence soon showed, which led to the loss of the historic town centre. How did this come about?

Armin Forker: When the first two mineshafts were sunk in 1851/52 in order to mine rock salt, the potash salts were discovered by accident. Their value was soon recognised and the mineshafts were subsequently used to mine potash. Mines were dug up to a depth of 700 metres. Inadequate knowledge of geology, hydrology and the mechanical properties of the salts drew grave consequences. The mineshafts flooded, and a mining subsidence area appeared in the town centre, with the noted consequences.

Following the political turnaround in the GDR, extensive surveys were made of the area, mainly by the State Office for Geology and Mining Saxony-Anhalt (LAGB) …

Armin Forker: Surveys of the mining subsidence area were made long before that. Staßfurt is a perfect example of near-continuous study in relation to potash mining. Observation and analysis began in 1890. In the GDR, geological surveys and mining subsidence studies were carried out from 1962 on, and predictions relating to the areas at risk of subsidence were made for the first time. From 1977, a complex survey including deep drilling began. This localised the area at risk and forecast the flooding of the area. After German reunification, expertise was first based on older data and more recent surveys of the water level. These formed a basis for Staßfurt’s interdepartmental working group, which focused from 1995 on Staßfurt’s problem. The Staßfurt joint project finally began in 1999 with financial support and active expert assistance from the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt.

What were the findings of this research, and to what extent was it a prerequisite for urban redevelopment within the framework of the IBA and for the new Staßfurt centre?

Armin Forker: A complex analysis and evaluation was made of the technogenic and geogenic influences on the town. Water levels, subsidences and possible tremors were intensively monitored. Subse quently, some part of the inner city were defined as unsuitable for building, others were earmarked as safe for redevelopment, and the subsidence area was reduced. A completely new water management system for the city made the recent redevelopment possible.

Cooperation therefore between experts in diverse fields…?

Armin Forker: Definitely. Scientists and practitioners from various fields, including hydrologists, underground surveyors, geotechnologists, seismologists and mining engineers … they all worked together in a team.

There’s a research project for Staßfurt’s mining subsidence area?

Armin Forker: Staßfurt’s problem is exceptionally complicated, but also exciting for scientists, not least because one can draw on a reliable series of measurements going back a number of years. There is such a complex research project, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR). It should be completed in 2010.

In this respect, Staßfurt acts as a model and has worldwide relevance?

Armin Forker: Staßfurt’s development has worldwide relevance. Russia too has had experiences with the flooding of potash mines, for instance in Beresniki in the south Urals, but they don’t have our level of knowledge. Experts therefore come here to see how we have dealt with the underground surveys, the continuous monitoring and the subsequent plans for redevelopment with the new Staßfurt centre. The concept realised within the framework of the IBA was highly successful and has a model character in that it answers the question of how to plan in cities, which have suffered from mining subsidence. In this sense, Staßfurt really is something special.