The mining industry of the past has left long-lasting tracks in the territorial structure of the Ruhr area. Dealing responsibly with the area’s mining heritage in terms of sustainable regional developments is a major challenge. In 2014, the 17 pertinent municipalities and districts, together with the state government of North-Rhine Westphalia, RAG Aktiengesellschaft and the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR), concluded the “Mining Area Agreement | Agreement on the Forward-looking Revitalisation of Significant Mining Areas” (BBFV). The agreement formally sets forth the understanding of a common regional responsibility to ensure a sustainable subsequent use for mining areas of regional economic and urban development significance. The negotiations between the partners laid the foundation for a common understanding of the prioritisation of areas for development. T