Kurt Kieß

As First Secretary, he was a powerful leader in the GDR's most important mining company, the fourth largest uranium producer in the world.

Kieß was born on 28 May 1914, as the son of a locksmith, who later also became a KPD member, in Griesbach (now a part of Schneeberg) in the Ore Mountains.

During his apprenticeship, he joined the Young Communist League of Germany,[1][2][3] where he was at times a board member of the local Lauter group.

[1] After finishing his apprenticeship, Kieß initially became unemployed, but from 1932 he resumed work in various jobs as a tinsmith, machinist, and punch press operator.

[1] After his discharge in October 1938, Kieß worked again as a punch press operator in Aue until he was recalled for military service in August 1939.

[2] In April 1957, Kieß moved to the central SDAG Wismut SED leadership in Siegmar-Schönau, where he served as acting secretary for economic affairs until August.