News item | 22-01-2024 | 2:15 PM
If oil extraction in Schoonebeek were to restart, NAM and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy would contribute tens of millions of euros to the Schoonebeek region. This amounts to 1 euro for every barrel of oil that would be extracted by NAM. Of this, the oil company pays 60 cents to the region and 40 cents is paid by EBN, which participates on behalf of the state. They do this because both NAM and the ministry consider it important that the region where oil extraction takes place benefits from the proceeds. With an expected production period of 15 years, this amounts to a total amount of between 30 and 45 million euros. State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief announced this today.
Regional authorities, NAM and residents have indicated that clarity regarding the contribution is important to determine how the project is viewed. The municipalities will then enter into discussions with residents about how and the possible purposes for which the contribution could be spent.
Vijlbrief: “If oil extraction were to start again, it would be good that the region would benefit from the presence and activities of NAM. This fits in with the new way of looking at how we can best involve the environment in mining activities.”
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy expects to receive advice from the State Supervision of Mines (SodM) and TNO on safety within a few weeks. The most important thing is that oil extraction must be safe and responsible. Based on the advice of SodM and TNO, the State Secretary can form an assessment of safety. As soon as the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy receives the advice, it will be shared with the regional authorities so that they can supplement their regional advice.
The promised contribution from NAM and the ministry stems from the area process in Schoonebeek that has been running for some time. It is the first time that citizens and regional authorities have been involved in an oil extraction project at an early stage in this way and this fits within the contour memorandum for the amendment of the Mining Act.