Work

Spatial Decision Support System for Multi-Risk Assessment of Post-Mining Hazards

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The closure of coal and lignite mines has the potential to result in long-term environmental risks and socio-economic issues. The concept described in this article aims to improve the hazard assessment and risk management of former mining regions in a European project funded by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel. A multidisciplinary approach integrates historic, geological, topographical, environmental and socio-economic aspects to support stakeholders at different decision-making levels in the risk assessment and possible mitigation. The individual hazards (post-mining, natural, and technical) are weighted using expert knowledge, their interaction analyzed, and then combined into a spatial multi-hazard index. Together with the other risk factors of social vulnerability and exposure a comprehensive, spatial risk map can be created automatically for individual regions using open-source components. In addition, GIS and statistical tools enable further analysis and visualization for decision-making by the relevant stakeholders. The methodology is validated through the examination of case studies conducted in various European countries within the scope of the project.

Source: Mining

DOI: 10.3390/mining5010017

Authors: Benjamin Haske, Marwan Al Heib, Vinicius Inojosa, Moncef Bouaziz

Institutions: Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, Institut national de l'environnement industriel et des risques, TU Bergakademie Freiberg

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical and Mining Engineering

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funder: Research Fund for Coal and Steel