Mining law has been further developed several times in recent years by the legislature, particularly as a result of new technological and political developments. The influence of environmental and planning law on mining projects has also continued to increase. In addition, the legal literature and case law have increasingly been dealing with mining law issues. Last but not least, the end of coal mining in Germany has also had an impact on mining law. These developments are reflected in this expanded and revised third edition. Special emphasis is given to: assessment of the environmental impact of mining projects; control of mining projects in regional planning and planning issues on the surface and underground; the position of the landowner in mining law proceedings and mining damage; legal issues involving water protection, pollution control, nature conservation and waste disposal in connection with mining; legal issues involved in the closure of mining operations and preparations for subsequent uses; mineral rights concerns and underground storage; and special features of the former GDR mining law. The authors previously wrote the first two editions of the commentary on Germany=s Federal Mining Law (BbergG), which is widely recognized in this specialist area. With their many years of professional work in the field, they are familiar with the practical and scientific issues of mining law.