New counter for mining damage claims opens January 2, 2026

Many residents of Heerlen have cracks or subsidence in their homes. This damage may be related to former mining activities. From January 2, 2026, private homeowners with mining damage can visit a new office in Heerlen: the Institute for Environment, People, and Mining Limburg (I3ML). The I3ML was officially opened on December 4 during National Miners' Day. 

 

Official opening 

The opening took place at pop venue De Nieuwe Nor. During the program, there was a lot of attention for Limburg's mining history, with music by Carboon, stories from former miners, and a conversation with administrators. The opening marks an important moment: for the first time, there is a single central point of contact in Limburg where residents can go with questions and reports about mining damage. Alderman Casper Gelderblom, Deputy Elianne Demollin-Schneiders (Province of Limburg), Minister Sophie Hermans (on behalf of Climate and Green Growth), and concerned residents opened the desk together.

Regulation opens step by step

The mining damage compensation scheme is for private homeowners who live in their own homes in the former mining area. Damage claims are processed in phases, so that everyone receives proper and personalized assistance.

  •  Starting December 22, 2025, the first homeowners will receive a letter.
  • Only after receiving this letter can someone file a report.
  • After that, there will be three more phases in which new groups of residents will receive notification.
     

Counter open from January 2, 2026

The new I3ML desk will open on January 2, 2026, at Kloosterweg 22 in Heerlen. Residents can visit this desk if they have any questions or need help filing a report. Visit mijnbouwschadelimburg.nl to see whether you need to make an appointment. You can also call 088 – 042 9444.
 

Why is this counter important?

The I3ML is not only a place where residents can report damage. The institute also offers support for recovery and works on knowledge, cooperation, and future-proof policy. The arrival of the help desk is part of a broader recognition of the national debt of honor to the Limburg mining region.

Casper Gelderblom:
"Fifty years after the last mine closure, there is finally light at the end of the mining tunnel: a single general scheme and a single point of contact for people affected by mining damage. As the Limburg mining region, we have fought for this for years, and I am proud of the important step we are taking together with the national government. The people of Heerlen have had to go from pillar to post for far too long, when they were entitled to clarity and real help. For me, the arrival of the I3ML in Heerlen is part of a broader recognition of the national debt of honor to our region. And above all, it brings the recovery of people and the environment in our city and region a step closer."

Stay informed

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