Today is my last day researching for Ruhr Residence. But not the last day I will spend researching in the Saarland.

Over the past weeks I got to meet and talk to geographers, mining experts, victims of mine damage and those opposed to mining.

I got to interview miners. Retired ones, ones who stayed behind to deal with the mine water, ones who were transferred to the Ruhr and now commute between the two regions.

Even now, five years after the abrupt and premature end of the Saarland mining, the topic still evokes strong emotions in those affected.

I ask myself new questions.