GERMANY. Welzow. 2013. Swedish energy company Vattenfall has obtained the right to mine 500 million tons of brown coal (lignite or soft coal) at Welzow, a region believed to contain approximately 750 million tons. These mines produce approximately 20 million tons a year, which is used to supply the "Schwarze Pumpe" (black pump) power plant. The coal is found in the 10 to 16 meter thick "Lausitz bed", which lies as low as 130 meters below surface. Due to the size of the task and effect on the environment, Vattenfall is obligated to restore the landscape once their mining operation is over.