Second Life of Post-Mining Infrastructure in Light of the Circular Economy and Sustainable Development—Recent Advances and Perspectives

Abstract

Current EU policy will force a significant reduction of hard coal mines in the near future due to environmental restrictions. There are also numerous non-coal underground mines that will be excavated in the next few years. Taking the above into consideration, it is worth starting to plan further steps in terms of reclamation of these facilities. Within this manuscript, both recently used and novel approaches to underground space reclamation have been reviewed. Selected methods of reclamation were analyzed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, and the results were compared with the effect of a commonly used approaches (i.e., filling or flooding of underground space after mine termination). The analysis has been performed in the scope of sustainable development. Taking into account the opinion of many stakeholder groups and underground facilities, reuse was considered as an action aimed at fulfilling sustainable development goals and the circular economy concept. Based on numerous surveys, the challenges and opportunities have been determined as well. Finally, most perspectives concerning underground mine reclamation, including environmental impact, social acceptance, and profitability have been proposed and described.

Mining Educational Trail in Slovakia

“…The mining education routes (tourism) provide numerous short-, medium-and longterm advantages for the local society, the environment and for the regional economy (e.g., mitigation of visual impacts and residues left by mining, geodiversity, population environmental awareness and biodiversity) [12,19]. Authors Briševac et al, in the case studies, apply these contemporary trends and promote a new form of tourism that is mostly oriented to the 3 × E rule with and strong educational component (education, entertainment and excitement) instead of the usual model referred to as 3 × S (sun, sea and sand) [49].…”

“…Within a few decades, a turnaround was taking place, especially in Western Europe. Today there is demonstrable interest in the history and heritage of mining in situ [7,19]. The case studies presented here were established on the basis of this fact.…”

Mining Technologies Innovative Development: Economic and Sustainable Outlook

“…The third challenge facing the innovative development of mining technologies-"green mining"-is reflected in the article by Pactwa et al [21], in which traditional and new approaches to the integrated development of subsoil are and post-mining is highlighted as the most advanced method of reclamation of mine workings, taking into account environmental, social and economic results. The prospects for the environmental and energy policy of the European Union are associated with a reduction in the number of mines; therefore, the authors argue the need for advanced planning of their future reclamation.…”

Impact of Natural Hazards on the Operation of Powered Roof Support in Polish Hard Coal Mines

“…In the era of industry 4.0, sustainable development is put forward [8]. Environmental aspect [9], optimal use of machines [10][11][12] and their energy efficiency [13][14][15][16] are essential. To ensure work safety, the human factor -the awareness and knowledge of employees -is also of great importance [17].…”