Těžba hnědého uhlí na Sokolovsku a její vliv na vybrané socioekonomické ukazatele v letech 2004-2019

This bachelor thesis focuses on evaluating the degree of dependence of the Sokolov district on the presence of coal mining activities in the Sokolovská uhelná between 2004 and 2019 in terms of the natural resource curse. The degree of dependence of the Sokolov district on coal mining activities is evaluated from two points of view. First, the geological and historical relevance of the district for mining activities is analysed. Second, the influence of coal mining activities on three socio-economic indicators, namely the unemployment rate, median wage and the level of education of job seekers, is examined by means of multiple regression analysis of finite distributed lag models. The R program was used to analyse the data. The survey of relevant historical sources clearly shows that, throughout the 20th century, the presence of coal mining companies had a considerable influence on the development of the Sokolov district. The results of the regression analysis of the more recent data indicate that although this area exhibits a certain degree of dependence on coal mining activities, their impact on the chosen socio-economic indicators is minimal. A comparison of the obtained results with conclusions of foreign studies confirms a positive effect of coal mining activities on the median wage but refutes a negative effect on the unemployment rate. The effect of coal mining activities on the level of education could not be confirmed.