The scheme revolves around the aftermath of coal mining in South Limburg. After the mines closed in the 1970s, they filled with water causing the ground to rise. This can lead to damage to homes.
In recent years, together with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, the province, municipalities, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and the independent Mining Damage Commission, work has been done on compensation for affected homeowners. The Mining Damage Limburg scheme is now officially in place. This allows the government to compensate private homeowners for their damage and will seek to recover these costs from the mining companies of that time or their successors.
Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth): “I am very pleased that the new scheme is now ready. I sincerely hope this brings peace and clarity to affected homeowners. And that this scheme contributes to trust in the government.”
The scheme will be implemented by the newly established Institute for Environment, People and Mining Limburg (I3ML). At this office, affected individuals can file a damage claim, after which an expert on behalf of the Mining Damage Commission inspects the home. A report of the findings is then processed by the Limburg Chamber of the independent Mining Damage Commission, which advises the minister on the nature and extent of the damage. Subsequently, I3ML makes a decision on behalf of the minister.
Throughout the process, the homeowner receives support from an I3ML case manager, who informs the homeowner about the progress. A damage claim can lead to three possible outcomes: that mining damage is not established, that up to €10,000 is paid out for independent damage repair, or, if the damage exceeds this amount, that repairs are carried out by a contractor.
To provide the right care and attention to every affected individual, the scheme will be opened in phases based on postal code starting December 22. Only after affected individuals have received an invitation can a damage report be submitted.
