News item | 16-10-2025 | 09:54
The first homeowners in South Limburg with damage due to mining can submit a claim from the end of December and will be assisted by a case supervisor. This is evident from the new arrangement Compensation for mining damage in Limburgwhich appeared on Wednesday in the Government Gazette has been published.
The scheme revolves around the aftermath of coal mining in South Limburg. After the mine closed in the 1970s, the mines filled with water, causing the ground to rise. This can lead to damage to the home.
In recent years, we have worked together with the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, the province, municipalities, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the independent Mining Damage Commission on compensation for affected homeowners. The Limburg Mining Damage Scheme has now been formally completed. In this way, the central government will compensate the damage suffered by private homeowners and will attempt to recover these costs from the mining companies of the time or their legal successors.
Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth): “I am very happy that the new arrangement is now ready. I sincerely hope that this will provide peace and clarity to affected homeowners. And that this arrangement contributes to confidence in the government.”
The scheme is implemented by the newly established Institute for the Environment, People and Mining Limburg (I3ML). Victims can submit a claim for damages at this counter, after which an expert will inspect the home on behalf of the Mining Damage Committee. A report of the findings is then processed by the Limburg Chamber of the independent Mining Damage Committee, which advises the minister on the nature and amount of the damage. I3ML then makes a decision on behalf of the minister.
During the process, the homeowner receives support from an I3ML case supervisor, who informs the homeowner about the progress. A claim for damages can lead to three possible outcomes. That mining damage is not established, that up to an amount of €10,000 will be paid out for independent damage repair or, if the damage is greater than this amount, repairs will be carried out in kind by a contractor.
In order to offer every victim the right care and attention, the scheme will be opened in phases from December 22 based on zip code. Only after victims have received an invitation can a damage report be submitted.