Wismuth network Chemnitz: Large legacy of uranium mining is celebrated!

Wismuth network Chemnitz: Large legacy of uranium mining is celebrated!

On March 12, 2025, a series of events on the history of Wismut AG begins in Chemnitz, which is organized by the actors of the newly founded Wismut- Network Chemnitz . The kick-off event entitled "Glück auf" starts at 6 p.m. in the university library of the Technical University of Chemnitz, which was once the bismuth department store "Glück auf" from 1950 to 1990. Dr. Rainer Karlsch will scientifically contextualize the trade organization and the event includes scenic representations of the Fritz Theater as well as music excerpts from an opera, which was premiered in September 2025.

Citizens are invited to contribute personal memorabilia from the former department store for the accompanying exhibition and to share their experiences in a moderated round of talks. The series of events comprises over 15 other events that take place from April to November 2025 and illuminate various aspects of Wismut AG. Topics include the effects of nuclear power on pop culture, everyday life in mining and the role of Soviet secret services. Details on the program are to be announced in mid -March 2025. Interested parties can contact Stephan Luther at stephan.luther@bibliothek.tu-chemnitz.de.

history of Wismut AG

Wismut AG was the largest uranium mining company in the world between 1952 and 1957 and played an important role in the history of the GDR. The company, which was founded in 1946 in the context of Soviet reparation claims, was the largest European uranium producer and had to be subject to a broad news lock until 1990. Uranium was strongly asked by the Soviet Union in the post -war period. Until 1956, Wismut AG was under the influence of the Soviet Ministry of Defense. Uranerz was delivered exclusively to the Soviet Union until 1962, only afterwards in the GDR.

Wismut AG had strategic priority and maintained 27 objects in the peak period, including ten production facilities. However, this rapid growth also led to social problems in the mining locations, where the population rose sharply. In Johanngeorgenstadt, for example, the population rose from 6,559 in 1946 to 32,870 in 1950, which led to overcrowded accommodations and increasing crime. The company's challenges also included coping with environmental damage, which was only extensively assessed after the in 1990 withdrawal of the Soviet Union.

exhibition "No Secret" and other events

In addition to the series of events, Wismut GmbH invites you to the exhibition "No Secret", which will open on May 1, 2025. This exhibition in the machine house of the Schacht 371 near Aue-Bad Schlema is reminiscent of "Jugendhacht 1st May" by SDAG Wismut and offers insights into the history of uranium ore mining and its sustainable effects. The location opens temporarily for this exhibition, which can be visited every first weekend of the month from May to October 2025. Challenges are also discussed that arise from the consequences of mining.

The exhibition is aimed at technically interested, younger visitors and people without deeper touch with the history of bismuth. The special dates such as the day of the open monument on September 14, 2025 and the finissage on October 19, 2025 are particularly worth mentioning. The address of the exhibition is Wismut GmbH, Schacht 371, Talstraße 7, 08118 Hartenstein. The uranium mining remains a sensitive topic in the history of Germany, on which the Federal Central Education . The bismuth mining was classified as the third largest radiation damage according to Hiroshima and Chernobyl, a fact that requires further scientific examination.