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Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology

Author

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  • Philip-Mark Spanidis

    (Division of Project Management, ASPROFOS Engineering, 176 75 Athens, Greece)

  • Christos Roumpos

    (Department of Mining Engineering and Closure Planning, Public Power Corporation of Greece, 104 32 Athens, Greece)

  • Francis Pavloudakis

    (Mineral Resources Engineering Department, School of Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 501 00 Kozani, Greece)

Abstract

The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related to extractive operations. The transition to sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase and includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing the mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices and methods are introduced for efficient and socio-environmentally friendly use of mining wastes and non-exploited resources. The selection of a strategy for the sustainable transformation of a mine constitutes a complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides a critical analysis concerning the definition of the transformation problems and suggests a decision-making methodology for the selection of a strategy for sustainability with a case study of a closing surface lignite mine in Greece. The methodology combines (a) a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis of the factors of critical importance for the evaluation of alternative strategies, and (b) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied for the quantification and use of these factors for the selection of the most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. The results indicate that the proposed analysis can be used as a practical decision-making tool to resolve complex problems related to the mine closure and post-mining issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Philip-Mark Spanidis & Christos Roumpos & Francis Pavloudakis, 2023. "Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:7785-:d:1143011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marzena Smol & Paulina Marcinek & Joanna Duda & Dominika Szołdrowska, 2020. "Importance of Sustainable Mineral Resource Management in Implementing the Circular Economy (CE) Model and the European Green Deal Strategy," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Philip-Mark Spanidis & Christos Roumpos & Francis Pavloudakis, 2020. "A Multi-Criteria Approach for the Evaluation of Low Risk Restoration Projects in Continuous Surface Lignite Mines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-22, May.
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    4. Philip-Mark Spanidis & Christos Roumpos & Francis Pavloudakis, 2021. "A Fuzzy-AHP Methodology for Planning the Risk Management of Natural Hazards in Surface Mining Projects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-23, February.
    5. Ryan M. Yonk & Josh T. Smith & Arthur R. Wardle, 2019. "Exploring the Policy Implications of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-18, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Bojan Dimitrijević & Tomislav Šubaranović & Željko Stević & Mohamed Kchaou & Faris Alqurashi & Marko Subotić, 2024. "A Novel Hybrid Fuzzy Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making Model for the Selection of the Most Suitable Land Reclamation Variant at Open-Pit Coal Mines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Christina G. Siontorou, 2023. "Fair Development Transition of Lignite Areas: Key Challenges and Sustainability Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-14, August.

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