SOCOTEC Netherlands begins building surveys for I3ML project in South Limburg

Oosterbeek, 16 January 2026

Following the recent award of the IMG project, SOCOTEC Netherlands is expanding its activities in South Limburg and has now started work on Parcel 1 of the I3ML project. The project focuses on documenting damage to residential buildings that may have been caused by the after-effects of former coal mining. Through this assignment, SOCOTEC contributes to a socially relevant initiative supporting homeowners in the region.

Project background

After the closure of the coal mines in South Limburg in the 1970s and the subsequent cessation of mine dewatering, mine water levels began to rise again. This has led to ground uplifts in areas that had previously subsided due to coal mining. This can result in damage to homes. To support affected homeowners, a compensation scheme has been developed over the past years in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate and Energy Transition, the province, municipalities, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and the Independent Mining Damage Committee. The Minister of Climate and Energy Transition provides a fund for homeowners, who can submit an application via I3ML, part of the Institute for Mining Damage Limburg (I3ML). The Mining Damage Committee will examine the reported damage and issue advice to I3ML for each application.

SOCOTEC’s role

For the purpose of the Mining Damage Committee’s investigation, SOCOTEC Netherlands has been commissioned for Parcel 1. SOCOTEC conducts building surveys, documenting all visible damage through images and written descriptions, and prepares comprehensive reports. The project is carried out by a team of approximately five specialists from the business unit SOCOTEC Monitoring & Surveying. SOCOTEC was selected based on a combination of plan and price. The contract runs for four one-year periods, with potential extensions, and has already commenced.

"After IMG in Groningen, the I3ML project represents a significant milestone for SOCOTEC Netherlands as we expand our presence in South Limburg. We are proud to contribute our expertise to this socially important initiative to support homeowners"

Arnaud De Pracomtal - CEO SOCOTEC Netherlands 

A trusted partner in construction projects

Through this assignment, SOCOTEC Netherlands further strengthens its position as a reliable partner in construction expertise and risk management. Following the successful start of the IMG project, the team looks forward to contributing to the I3ML project with the same care and professionalism in this socially important work.