Mine Closure and its Impact on the Community: Five Years after Mine Closure in Romania, Russia, and Ukraine

73 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Michael Haney

Michael Haney

World Bank - Europe and Central Asia Region

Maria Shkaratan

World Bank

Date Written: June 12, 2003

Abstract

Against the backdrop of economic transition, several countries in Eastern Europe have undertaken far-reaching programs to restructure their coal sectors, which in the 1990s were in a state of deep crisis. One aspect of restructuring has been the closure of loss-making mines, which are often located in communities where the coal industry is the dominant employer, and the significant downsizing of the workforce. Mitigation efforts that are implemented at the time of mine closure (such as severance payments) are usually intended only for the laid-off workers.

Haney and Shkaratan examine the impact of mine closure on the entire community five years after mine closure in Romania, Russia, and Ukraine. Using quantitative and qualitative research methods and based on interviews with national, regional, and local experts, and members of the affected population, the authors describe the effect of mine closure and evaluate the various mitigation efforts that have been used by governments in such cases. They conclude with policy recommendations of broad relevance to programs of industrial restructuring in communities dominated by a single industry.

This paper - a product of the Infrastructure and Energy Services Department, Europe and Central Asia Region - is part of a larger effort in the region to evaluate the social impact of industrial restructuring.

Suggested Citation

Haney, Michael and Shkaratan, Maria, Mine Closure and its Impact on the Community: Five Years after Mine Closure in Romania, Russia, and Ukraine (June 12, 2003). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=636445

Michael Haney (Contact Author)

World Bank - Europe and Central Asia Region ( email )

1818 H Street
Washington, DC 20433
United States

Maria Shkaratan

World Bank ( email )

1818 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20433
United States

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