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Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Resources and Sustainable Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 November 2025) | Viewed by 9414

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Francis F. Pavloudakis

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Guest Editor

Mineral Resources Engineering Department, University of Western Macedonia, 50150 Kozani, Greece
Interests: surface mining; environmental management; environmental impacts assessment; land reclamation; circular economy; energy
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Dr. Christos Roumpos

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Guest Editor

Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece, 10432 Athens, Greece
Interests: mine planning and design; mineral exploration; mineral economics operations research; decision making; stochastic optimization; production planning; project management; circular economy; simulation; risk analysis; sustainable development; energy; environmental impact assessment; reliability
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Dr. Philip-Mark Spanidis

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Guest Editor

Division of Project Management, ASPROFOS Engineering S.A., Greece, 17675 Athens, Greece
Interests: project and operations management; project strategic planning; risk analysis; safety management; sustainability; oil and gas pipeline systems; environmental impact assessment; multi-criteria decision making; mines restoration; knowledge management; engineering failure analysis
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil remediation and land reclamation are pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges of environmental degradation, social disruption, and economic decline resulting from the closure of surface mines. Remediation involves restoring soil health and functionality, while land reclamation encompasses the broader process of restoring landscapes to a productive or natural state after mining activities cease. These practices are essential for mitigating the adverse impacts of mining operations, including soil erosion, habitat destruction, and water pollution. Through restoring, rehabiliting, and repurposing mined lands, we can not only revive ecosystems but also rejuvenate local economies and communities.

Our proposed Special Issue, "Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses", aims to foster the dissemination of innovative technologies and techniques that advance environmental stewardship in post-mining contexts. This Special Issue will serve as a platform for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights into effective strategies for environmental monitoring, pollution prevention and control, soil remediation, and sustainable land use planning. Furthermore, we seek to explore decision-making frameworks that integrate spatial and non-spatial parameters to guide the selection of appropriate land uses, considering ecological, social, and economic aspects. By promoting interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange, we aim to catalyze the development and adoption of sustainable practices in land reclamation and post-mining land management.

The proposed Special Issue aligns closely with the scope of Sustainability, as it addresses the imperative of integrating environmental, social, and economic dimensions in pursuit of a sustainable future. Land reclamation represents a crucial aspect of sustainability within the extractive industry, offering opportunities to mitigate environmental harm, restore ecosystems, and promote long-term socioeconomic resilience. This Special Issue will contribute to the journal's mission of advancing sustainability science and practice by showcasing cutting-edge research and practical innovations.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Innovative soil remediation techniques for degraded post-mining landscapes;
Strategies for sustainable land use planning and management in mining-affected regions;
Environmental monitoring and assessment tools for evaluating the effectiveness of land reclamation efforts;
Socioeconomic impacts of post-mining land uses and community engagement strategies;
Policy frameworks and governance mechanisms for promoting sustainable post-mining transitions;
Decision-making methods for optimizing land use selection;
Case studies and best practices highlighting successful examples of land reclamation and restoration projects;
Investigation of land repurposing scenarios based on energy storage and renewable energy plants.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to facilitate knowledge exchange, stimulate collaborative research, and inspire practical action towards achieving sustainable solutions for land reclamation and post-mining land uses.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Francis F. Pavloudakis
Dr. Christos Roumpos
Dr. Philip-Mark Spanidis
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable environment and land management
land uses
eco-restoration
land reclamation–rehabilitation–repurposing
soil remediation
circular economy
sustainability in surface mines

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 4172 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Solar Power Plant Installations on Mining Sites—A Case Study

by Branimir Farkaš, Ana Hrastov, Iva Štefičar and Vinko Škrlec

Sustainability 2026, 18(3), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18031447 - 1 Feb 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

The aim of the research is to assess the technical, environmental, and legal suitability of mining areas for dual purposes: both mineral exploitation and solar energy production. A comprehensive analysis of the Croatian legislative framework in the areas of mining, energy, spatial planning, and environmental protection was carried out. Spatial, environmental, and technical suitability were assessed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in combination with a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model (MCDM) applying the TOPSIS method. A total of 565 exploitation fields were analyzed based on twenty technical, environmental, and legal parameters. Three installation variants (Variant 1, Variant 2, Variant 3) correspond to different phases of mining operations, and three energy use models (Model 1, Model 2, Model 3) were proposed. The results confirm that exploitation fields represent a valuable but underutilized resource for the development of renewable energy sources, i.e., solar power plants installation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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26 pages, 3582 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Ecological Restoration Effect on Abandoned Steep Bare Rock Mine Slopes: A Case Study of Abandoned High Steep Mine Slopes in Jiangsu Province

by Yuhong Liang, Xiaolong Zhang, Yingjie Lin, Hu Sun, Menglong Dong, Huaqing Zhang, Fangyong Wang and Faming Zhang

Sustainability 2026, 18(2), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18020567 - 6 Jan 2026

Viewed by 589

Abstract

Ecological restoration of abandoned mines with high and steep slopes is challenging due to their steepness, water scarcity, and lack of soil, and restoration effects vary with applied techniques. This study aims to assess the ecological restoration effectiveness of restored steep bare rock slopes in Jiangsu Province. The restoration status of steep bare rock slopes was assessed through field surveys, with corresponding methods for vegetation data collection and soil sample analysis subsequently selected. An evaluation system consisting of 14 evaluation indicators from 3 aspects was established using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Based on the on-site investigation results and test data, the evaluation criteria and evaluation intervals for the five evaluation levels of “optimum, excellent, good, medium, and poor” have been determined. After obtaining the weights of each indicator, the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method is used to establish a normalized matrix of evaluation indicators, calculate the weighted decision matrix, and determine the ideal solution. The results showed that (1) the proportion of ecological restoration effects in the excellent–optimum, good–excellent, and medium–good was 30%, 43.3%, and 26.7%, respectively, which is consistent with the on-site investigation results; (2) the on-site investigation and evaluation results indicate that the ecological restoration effect of steep bare rock slopes is easily affected by the slope’s soil and water conservation capacity; (3) the weights of each indicator layer are slope ecosystem stability > vegetation > soil, with a maximum value of 0.443, indicating that ecosystem stability is the main factor affecting the ecological restoration effect of mines. This evaluation system is based on on-site investigations and indoor test results, and objectively and effectively evaluates the ecological restoration effect of steep bare rock slopes through qualitative evaluation and quantitative analysis. The methodology demonstrates high applicability and reliability for steep bare rock slopes, thereby serving as a valuable reference for selecting and evaluating the efficacy of ecological restoration technologies in similar environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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26 pages, 3522 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Mine Land Ecological Resilience: Application of the Vague Sets Model Under the Nature-Based Solutions Framework

by Lu Feng, Jing Xie and Yuxian Ke

Sustainability 2026, 18(1), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18010164 - 23 Dec 2025

Viewed by 579

Abstract

To achieve a scientific evaluation of land ecological resilience in mining areas and promote the green transformation and sustainable development of the mining industry, this study is based on the core concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), coupling the “Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response” (DPSIR) framework, and constructs an evaluation system for mine land ecological resilience (MLER) focusing on sustainability. This system covers multiple aspects, including natural ecology, socio-economics, and policy management, comprising 21 secondary indicators that comprehensively respond to NbS’ fundamental principles of “nature-guided, multi-party collaboration, and long-term adaptation.” In terms of evaluation methodology, this study proposes a combined weighting model that integrates AHP-CRITIC game theory with Vague sets. First, subjective expert experience and objective data variance are balanced through combined weighting. Based on game theory, the optimal combination coefficients were determined (α₁ = 0.624, α₂ = 0.376) to reconcile subjective and objective preferences. Subsequently, the three-dimensional interval structure of Vague sets is utilized to effectively accommodate fuzzy information and data gaps. By characterizing the restoration process through interval membership, the model enhances the representational capacity of the evaluation results regarding complex ecological information. Empirical research conducted in the mining areas of Gan Xian, Xing Guo, Yu Du, and Xun Wu in Jiangxi Province effectively identified differences in resilience levels: the resilience of the Xing Guo mining area was classified as I, Gan Xian and Yu Du as II, and Xun Wu as IV. These results are fundamentally consistent with the AHP-Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method, verifying the robustness and reliability of the model. The NbS-guided evaluation system and model constructed in this study provide scientific tools for identifying differences in the sustainability of MLER and key constraints, promoting the transformation of restoration models from “engineering-driven” to “nature-driven, long-term adaptation” in the context of NbS in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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37 pages, 18393 KB

Open AccessArticle

Models of Post-Mining Land Reuse in Poland

by Aleksandra Wyrzykowska and Monika Janiszek

Sustainability 2025, 17(20), 9069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17209069 - 13 Oct 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2474

Abstract

This article evaluates the effectiveness of Poland’s current mine closure model in promoting the sustainable reuse of post-mining land, particularly in urbanised regions such as the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis. A mixed-methods approach is applied, combining archival and cartographic analysis, field surveys, and a comparative policy review. The study examines 81 post-mining areas associated with 20 decommissioned coal mines. Two dominant transformation models are identified: planned redevelopment guided by public–private strategies, and unplanned, market-driven reuse based on opportunistic adaptation. While the system ensures technical and environmental safety via the Mine Restructuring Company (SRK S.A.), it remains weakly integrated with spatial planning policies and often marginalises key stakeholders. This leads to fragmented land reuse, underinvestment, and misalignment with sustainability objectives. A comparative review of models from Germany, the UK, and the Czech Republic highlights the importance of institutional coordination, strategic planning tools, and community involvement. The article concludes with policy recommendations to enhance governance, planning coherence, and social inclusion in post-mining transformation processes in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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19 pages, 4726 KB

Open AccessArticle

Establishment and Application of Biomass Model for Vegetation Condition Assessment After Ecological Restoration—Yixing Quarry Case Study

by Chaokui Huang, Yueping Wu, Shaohui Yang, Faming Zhang, Xiaokai Li, Huaqing Zhang and Xiaolong Zhang

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020734 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1432

Abstract

Biomass is a vital index used to evaluate the vegetation rebuilding effect of mining slopes after restoration. It is essential to establish models for estimating the biomass and carbon storage of the vegetation community on mining slopes. Therefore, this paper establishes models for the biomass and carbon storage of such vegetation, taking an abandoned quarry after ecological restoration in Yixing City, Jiangsu Province, as the research object. Firstly, the variables of the biomass estimation models were determined based on the correlation analysis results; the vegetation biomass model was comprehensively selected, and the accuracy of the optimal models was verified. Meanwhile, the carbon storage calculation model was established in combination with the carbon content and the growth pattern of vegetation. The results showed that (1) the optimal models were the cubic and linear functions, respectively, for the shrubs and herbs, while the relevant variables of the shrub and the herb plants were the average height multiplied by the diameter of each shrub plant (DH) and the average height multiplied by the coverage rate (CH), respectively, with the verification results of R² > 0.814, R_S > 2.8%, and R_MA > 6%; and (2) in the restored mining slopes, the vegetation biomass was 120.264 t, including 10.586 t of herbs and 109.678 t of shrubs, and the vegetation carbon storage was 50.585 t, including 3.705 t of herbs and 46.880 t of shrubs. The proposed models have good prediction accuracy and reliability after quantitative evaluation and can be applied to the biomass estimation and carbon storage calculation of restored mining slopes, providing a reference for the environmental sustainability of post-mining areas and other ecologically restored slopes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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22 pages, 26408 KB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Sequestration Capacity after Ecological Restoration of Open-Pit Mines: A Case Study in Yangtze River Basin, Jurong City, Jiangsu Province

by Shenli Zhou, Xiaokai Li, Pengcheng Zhang, Gang Lu, Xiaolong Zhang, Huaqing Zhang and Faming Zhang

Sustainability 2024, 16(18), 8149; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16188149 - 18 Sep 2024

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2341

Abstract

Open-pit mining seriously damages the original vegetation community and soil layer and disturbs the carbon cycle of vegetation and soil, causing instability in the mining ecosystem and decrease in the carbon sequestration capacity of the mining area. With the deepening of environmental awareness and the influence of related policies, the ecological restoration of open-pit mines has been promoted. The mining ecosystem is distinct owing to the disperse distribution of mines and small scale of single mines. However, the carbon sequestration capability of mines after ecological restoration has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, this study evaluated the carbon sequestration capacity of restoration mines, taking the mines of the Yangtze River Basin in Jurong City, Jiangsu Province as the research objects. Firstly, the visual effects of the vegetation and soil in their current status were determined through field investigation, the methods for sampling and data collection for the vegetation and soil were selected, and the specific laboratory tests such as the vegetation carbon content and soil organic carbon were clarified. Meanwhile, the evaluation system consisting of three aspects and nine evaluation indexes was established by using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE). The process of evaluation included the following: the establishment of the judgment matrix, calculation of the index weight, determination of the membership function, and establishment of the fuzzy membership matrix. Finally, the evaluation results of the restoration mines were determined with the ‘excellent, good, normal and poor’ grade classification according to the evaluation standards for each index proposed considering the data of the field investigation and laboratory tests. The results indicated that (1) the evaluation results of the mines’ carbon sequestration capacity were of excellent and good grade at a proportion of 62.5% and 37.5%, which was in line with the field investigation results and demonstrated the carbon sequestration capacity of all the restored mines was effectively improved; and (2) the weights of the criterion layer were ranked as system stability > vegetation > soil with the largest value of 0.547, indicating the stability of the system is the main factor in the carbon sequestration capacity of the mines and the sustainability of the vegetation community and the stability of soil fixation on the slope. The proposed evaluation system effectively evaluates the short-term carbon sequestration capability of the restoration mining system according to the visual effects and the laboratory testing results, objectively reflecting the carbon sequestration capacity via qualitative assessment and quantitative analysis. The evaluation method is relatively applicable and reliable for restoration mines and can provide a reference for similar ecological restoration engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Solutions for Land Reclamation and Post-mining Land Uses)

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