The site of the former slag heap at the Zollverein colliery underwent a radical transformation in the years following the cessation of coal extraction. The heap of earth removed from the galleries’ interior is now overgrown with dense vegetation in most places, providing a habitat for rare insects, birds and amphibians. Some of the species living here came from distant regions and have now made the slap heap their home.

Taking this unremitting transformation from a mountain of debris to a green oasis as a starting point, which occurred, to a large extent, without human intervention or planning, PACT invites you to participate in an exchange on the ability to regenerate after radical interventions, on uprooting and resettlement, repurposing and the process of facilitating options for those who follow. An evening of differing (life) stories from and on the slag heap, including snacks and a twilight walk across the slag heap.

With Anna Ehlert, Sustainability and Environmental Manager at the Zollverein colliery, Uwe Schmitter, Jugendwerk of AWO Essen, and Petra Leonartz.