RAG-Stiftung

RAG-Stiftung operates as a public foundation responsible for sustainably managing assets to finance the perpetual obligations arising from German hard coal mining. It generates long-term income from a globally diversified investment portfolio, encompassing various asset classes, to cover the ongoing costs of pit water management, polder measures, and groundwater purification in regions affected by former mining operations. This strategic approach ensures the environmental integrity of these areas post-mining.

The foundation was established by German law, specifically the German Hard Coal Financing Act of 2007, following the "Coal Policy Agreement" involving the federal government, key states, and the IG BCE trade union. This initiative stemmed from the critical insight that the environmental and social legacies of hard coal mining would persist indefinitely, necessitating a robust, long-term financing solution independent of the public purse after the industry's scheduled closure at the end of 2018.

RAG-Stiftung serves the public interest by relieving the burden on government finances, protecting the environment, and fostering the sustainable transformation of former mining communities. Beyond its primary financial mandate, the foundation actively supports education, science, and culture related to German mining, contributing to regional development and ensuring a liveable future for these areas. Its enduring vision is to secure the necessary funds through resilient investment strategies, thus guaranteeing the fulfillment of its obligations without reliance on state guarantees.