Sustainability of coal mining. Is Germany a post-mining model for Colombia?

For centuries, coal mining played a crucial role in Germany's socio-economic history. It not only drove its industrialization but also supported its recovery after World War II. Since the middle of the 20th century in Germany, this industry entered a deep crisis mainly due to its high production costs. This led to the final closure of German hard coal mining in 2018. In Colombia, coal mining has also played an important economic role, especially since the 1980s when the large concessions began. In Germany, the closure of this industry has entailed great challenges, which have been addressed through regional structural transformation processes that continue today. Likewise, Germany's plan to phase out coal from its energy matrix has also entailed great challenges that have increased due to the current energy crisis in Europe. In the case of Colombia, global trends to reduce coal consumption will inevitably affect its national finances in the medium term. A comparative analysis of scenarios of these two countries, along with some projections of energy and coal consumption at world level, show that certain German experiences, especially regarding the processes of regional structural change, can be useful in the definition of strategies for the Colombian context. •Coal is temporary in regions that mine it. Therefore, mines should be closed gradually due to their economic relevance.•Coal would be an energy refuge for some nations in the long term. Thus, global decarbonization is not just around the corner.•Non-OECD Asia is not a close zone for Colombian coal. Plus, 40% of Colombian coal clients are advancing in renewable energy.•The structural change in Ruhr region was a process involving social, corporative and government actors that took decades.•Mining closure should begin sufficiently in advance so that regions can use mining profits to strengthen socioeconomically.