Underground Farewell: Mining Magnate Bids Adieu Beneath the Earth's Core
2:06 AM, 15th June 2025
They're all looking his way: Peter Schrimpf. The 68-year-old, clad in mining attire, grins at the cameras, standing at the brink of the Zeche Heinrich in Essen-Überruhr. In less than a day, he'll embark on his last descent underground, and then into retirement.
Nostalgia Rushing In
"Last time," Peter Schrimpf confirms, reminiscing about numerous times he dived into the mines over the years. These days, that's seldom possible, as the majority of mines have been sealed post-hard coal mining in 2018.
Zeche Heinrich, Essen-Überruhr
Accompanied by around two dozen journalists, we board the cage, skipping down to a depth of 480 meters. With a thundering whistle, the cage halts, as the gate yawns open. We disembark on the sixth level, instantly drawn to the cool, refreshing air. The tunnel appears as it always has, save for absent coal-laden wagons. That distinct, dank mining odor wafts through the air – fossils and rock blending to create a nostalgic undertone.
As we trudge forward, Peter reflects on his lifetime with the RAG mining corporation. In 1984, he commenced as a shift manager on the Zeche Radbod in Hamm and rose through the ranks, eventually joining the board of the corporation.
Miners of the Ruhr - Proud and Tenacious
"They're a tough lot," he acknowledges, voice laced with pride. It resonated particularly loudly when hard coal mining neared its end. "They did a bloody good job," he declares. Miners, he says, harbor a unique pride for their work.
We walk briskly along the dimly lit, almost breezy tunnel, listening to the low hum of nearby electric cables. Soon, the noise intensifies, and we arrive at the pumping station within the mine.
Here, some 15 million cubic meters of water are extracted every year, a crucial aspect of water management that helps to prevent Ruhr area flooding. Post-mining, this is the primary function of RAG.
The Memories Linger
As the emotions rise, so does vocalization. Peter narrates the most impactful moment of his career – the last day of hard coal mining, December 21, 2018. A moment he'll never forget.
Just before the final piece of coal was handed over to the federal president, Peter had to deliver a speech. "It was an incredibly emotional moment," he says, reminiscing.
Until half past three, he sat with a handful of miners, soaking in the final day of mining's end.
In the years that followed, Peter focused on the post-mining operations of RAG, handling water management, mining damage, and renewable energies. Today, the corporation employs only 600 individuals, in stark contrast to over 100,000 in years gone by.
Final Mining Journey
After an hour and a half, we ascend and exit the cage. Currywurst and a beer await us, customary fare for the region.
On June 30, the 68-year-old will depart the company. A fitting farewell has already been tendered by the employees.
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Reporter's Notebook:
In a touching staff gathering four weeks ago, there was a poignant farewell for the admired CEO. The emotions were apparent as he fought back tears and goosebumps – a bittersweet conclusion to an inspiring career. In a week, he'll bid his final, teary farewell at the supervisory board meeting.
Sources Consulted:
- On-site observation and interview with Peter Schrimpf
- RAG media resources
- Unexplored Ruhr Area - Transformation of a Region | audio
- Lid on it: Shafts at Zollverein Colliery in Essen filled in | audio
- Mining careers in the Ruhr area have seen significant changes as Peter Schrimpf, a retired mining manager, reflects on his three-decade journey that began with RAG in 1984.
- The finance sector has played a vital role in the transformation of the RAG mining corporation, which now focuses on post-mining operations, including water management, mining damage, and renewable energies.
- The energy industry, particularly in Germany, has seen the evolution of re-purposing closed mines, as demonstrated by the primary function of RAG post-mining, which is the extraction of 15 million cubic meters of water per year, thereby aiding water management and helping prevent Ruhr area flooding.
