The Identification, Spatial Distribution, and Reconstruction Mode of Abandoned Mining Areas

Viorel Gligor, Emanuela-Adina Nicula () and Remus Crețan
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Viorel Gligor: Department of Regional Geography and Territorial Planning, Faculty of Geography, Babeş-Bolyai University, Clinicilor St. 5–7, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Emanuela-Adina Nicula: Mountain Economy Center, “Costin C. Kirițescu” National Institute for Economic Research, Romanian Academy, Petreni St. 49, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania
Remus Crețan: Department of Geography, West University of Timişoara, Vasile Parvan Bv. no. 4, 300223 Timişoara, Romania
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Remus Cretan

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: The rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites is an increasingly pressing issue in the context of sustainable development. Recent research has emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the abandoned mining sites and their environmental rehabilitation. Based on field analysis, environmental assessments, satellite imagery processing and geographic information operations, this paper pushes forward the existing knowledge by conducting a comprehensive assessment of abandoned mining sites in the Romanian Carpathians and by proposing innovative and sustainable rehabilitation solutions. Our findings highlight that abandoned mining sites and their surrounding territories in the Romanian mountains have significant ecological imbalances and complex socio-economic issues. The findings also suggest that by adopting innovative, integrated, and sustainability-oriented approaches, territories affected by mining can be transformed into valuable and sustainable spaces to meet human needs. We conclude by presenting the importance of innovation in ecological reconstruction and spatial–functional reintegration of mining sites in mountain areas as a useful tool in making fair decisions, both in the context of implementing appropriate development policies as well as for the resilience and environmental sustainability of mining-affected mountain areas.

Keywords: environmental sustainability; mining sites; GIS; rehabilitation; mountain areas; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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