Write a brief note on the Ruhr Coalfield, Germany.

Ruhr Coalfield, Germany:
(i) This has been one of the major industrial regions of Europe for a long time. Coal and iron and steel formed the basis of the economy, but as the demand for coal declined, the industry started shrinking.
(ii) Even after the iron ore was exhausted, the industry remained, using imported ore brought by waterways to the Ruhr.

(iii) The Ruhr region is responsible for 80 percent of Germany’s total steel production.
(iv) Changes in the industrial structure have led to the decay of some areas, and there are problems of industrial waste and pollution.
(v) The future prosperity of the Ruhr is based less on the products of coal and steel, for which it was initially famous, and more on the new industries like he huge Opel Car assembly plant, new chemical plants, universities.