Challenges Related to the Transformation of Post-Mining Underground Workings into Underground Laboratories

Martyna Konieczna-Fuławka (), Marcin Szumny, Krzysztof Fuławka, Izabela Jaśkiewicz-Proć, Katarzyna Pactwa, Aleksandra Kozłowska-Woszczycka, Jari Joutsenvaara and Päivi Aro
Additional contact information
Martyna Konieczna-Fuławka: Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 15 Na Grobli Street, 50-421 Wrocław, Poland
Marcin Szumny: KGHM Cuprum Ltd. Research & Development Centre, 2-8 Sikorskiego Street, 53-659 Wrocław, Poland
Krzysztof Fuławka: KGHM Cuprum Ltd. Research & Development Centre, 2-8 Sikorskiego Street, 53-659 Wrocław, Poland
Izabela Jaśkiewicz-Proć: KGHM Cuprum Ltd. Research & Development Centre, 2-8 Sikorskiego Street, 53-659 Wrocław, Poland
Katarzyna Pactwa: Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 15 Na Grobli Street, 50-421 Wrocław, Poland
Aleksandra Kozłowska-Woszczycka: Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 15 Na Grobli Street, 50-421 Wrocław, Poland
Jari Joutsenvaara: Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland
Päivi Aro: School of Business and Information Management, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Business, Yliopistonkatu 9, 90570 Oulu, Finland

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 13, 1-14

Abstract: Underground mines are a vital part of the European raw material industry. The subsurface mining process is related to the large-scale development of underground structures like tunnels, chambers, workings, etc. These structures are abandoned or liquidated during the process of exploitation or after the termination of works. Still, due to the unique environment, post-mining facilities may be adopted for different purposes. There are few examples of implementations of this capacity in practical terms such as underground laboratories (ULs), energy storages, landfills of dangerous wastes, or food production plants. Unfortunately, the unique environment offered by underground space is also related to the occurrence of exceptional hazards, like seismicity and ground control problems, gases, floods, the lack of natural ventilation, and high temperatures. This results in low interest in investing in such facilities. Within this paper, some ways to repurpose underground mines have been presented, and possible challenges that need to be faced have been described. An extensive database of threats to post-mining repurposing and ways to mitigate them has been prepared based on surveys and interviews conducted with representatives of currently existing Uls and mining companies and a literature review. Finally, this manuscript provides a general look at post-mining infrastructure in Europe’s current situation and in the future.

Keywords: underground facilities; post-mining repurposing; sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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