SCHLEMAToxic Town to Health Spa

Where is SCHLEMA?

SCHLEMA is a small town south west of Chemnitz.

It is in Saxony, a region in Eastern Germany that has a southerly border with The Czech Republic.

SCHLEMA

Historical SCHLEMA

Originally Iron, Copper, Cobalt and Silver were mined.

In the 1920’s a radioactive spring was discovered; this was used to treat rheumatism.

After the Second World War everything changed…do you know WHY?

SCHLEMA 1945-1990

In 1947 the occupying Soviet force began the mining of Uranium for use in nuclear weapons, this was a form of “reparation”.

The town and spa grounds were completely sacrificed.

Unification 1990

In 1990 the mine was closed down at the cost of over 45,000 jobs.The Soviets left Schlema with this…

What were the alternatives for SCHLEMA?

The whole area was contaminated so it could be sealed off.

The mine could still be operated to produce Uranuim.

The town could be converted in to a Health Spa using its radioactive waters to treat the sick again.

Redeveloping SCHLEMA

In 1992 Wismut Gmbh began to decommission the former mine workings and actively rehabilitate the landscape.

It will cost DM 13 million and will take 15 years to complete.

Attractions in SCHLEMA

These include:Radon-containing

medicinal springsSpa gardensHiking trailsGolf coursesCyclewaysTennis courts

The SCHLEMA success

Having been around the full circle of development can SCHLEMA be seen as a success story?…you decide.