Sustainable Rehabilitation of Surface Coal Mining Areas: The Case of Greek Lignite Mines

Francis Pavloudakis, Christos Roumpos, Evangelos Karlopoulos and Nikolaos Koukouzas
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Francis Pavloudakis: Mining Engineering Department, Public Power Corporation, 104 32 Athens, Greece
Christos Roumpos: Mining Engineering Department, Public Power Corporation, 104 32 Athens, Greece
Evangelos Karlopoulos: Research Department, Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, 15125 Athens, Greece
Nikolaos Koukouzas: Research Department, Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, 15125 Athens, Greece

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-23

Abstract: Surface lignite mines of the Balkan Peninsula face growing pressure due to the CO 2 emissions reduction initiatives, rapidly increasing renewable-power capacity, and cheap natural gas. In this frame, the development of a modern mine land rehabilitation strategy is considered as a prerequisite for mitigating the social and economic impacts for the local communities. In the case of western Macedonia lignite mines, these prospects are investigated based on a PEST (political, economic, social, technological) analysis of seven alternative land uses. Urban (industrial) development, green houses, and industrial heritage parks are considered as the most appropriate land uses for mitigating the socioeconomic impacts due to the loss of employments. For the land uses occupying large areas (i.e., agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, and photovoltaic parks), an optimisation algorithm is proposed for determining the mix of land uses that maximise revenue, equity, and natural conservation and minimise investment. The algorithm was applied using the opinions of 10 experts, who were involved in mine land reclamation projects carried out in the western Macedonia region in the recent past. According to the results obtained, photovoltaic parks are rated as a more attractive investment than extensive agriculture, as regards the anticipation of revenues, while livestock farming and forests are necessary to safeguard the ecosystem’s functions.

Keywords: coal; lignite; mines; reclamation; rehabilitation; land use; decision-making; optimisation; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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