halde

Halde is a German term for a pile or heap of mining waste, especially slag, spoil, and other residual materials left behind during ore extraction and processing. The word derives from older Germanic roots meaning a heap or mound. In mining regions of Central Europe, halden are large artificial hills created by dumping waste rock and slag over many years. They can consist of various materials, from coal spoil to metal slag and overburden, and their sizes range from tens to hundreds of meters in height.

Historically, halden formed as mining operations expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, with waste accumulated around mines and processing plants. Following mine closures, many halden remained as landscape features. Today they are typically managed for safety and environmental restoration, often stabilized with soil and vegetation to reduce erosion and gas emissions. They can also be repurposed as recreational and cultural spaces, featuring walking paths, observation decks, and, in some cases, sculpture parks or panoramic viewpoints.

In the Ruhr region and other former mining areas, halden have become notable elements of the post-industrial landscape. Some have been integrated into nature reserves or urban parks, while others retain industrial heritage value and attract visitors interested in landscape history, ecology, and art. The study and management of halden touch on topics such as reclamation, biodiversity, and the cultural memory of mining communities.