Filling the Void

Photo from my visit to the wastelands.

The most notable machine in a lignite mine is of course the gigangic bucket-wheel excavator. The other variety does the opposite of excavating, namely refilling, the German term being "Absetzer", stacker. The excavated earth that doesn't contain any lignite is transported to these monsters through an extensive network of conveyor belts, so that it can be used to refill the previously created hole. With a long, swiveling arm, the stacker can evenly distribute the soil, so that after all resources have been exploited, the surface can be restored.

If you take a look at the panoramic shot,



you're able to see the excavators on the right side, extending the pit westwards, while the stackers on the eastern side are busy refilling it.