Work

Mineral Post-Mining Habitats as Unrecognized Biodiversity Hotspots: An Overlooked Dimension of Enhancing Natural Potential in Environmental Management

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: For decades, post-mining sites were considered biological deserts requiring intensive technical reclamation. This statement is increasingly challenged by evidence demonstrating that mineral extraction creates heterogeneous, nutrient-poor habitats capable of supporting self-organizing ecosystems with high conservation value. In urban-industrial landscapes, where eutrophication and habitat homogenization dominate, oligotrophic mineral substrates represent increasingly rare environmental conditions that promote functional diversity and ecosystem resilience. Their spatial heterogeneity and broad hydrological gradients generate a mosaic of ecological niches that facilitate spontaneous succession and the establishment of diverse terrestrial and aquatic communities, including numerous rare and protected species. Despite growing recognition of post-mining sites as novel ecosystems, research has primarily focused on species composition, whereas ecosystem functioning, functional traits, and long-term resilience remain insufficiently understood. Moreover, the contribution of mineral habitat heterogeneity to biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem multifunctionality has not been adequately incorporated into management frameworks or environmental policy. This review hypothesizes that mineral post-mining habitats constitute critical reservoirs of ecosystem functions within urban-industrial landscapes and argues that spontaneous succession should be recognized as a legitimate, nature-based management pathway. Integrating functional ecology with the novel ecosystem concept offers a robust scientific framework for developing evidence-based, biodiversity-oriented management strategies for urban-industrial landscapes.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18189333

Authors: Agnieszka Hutniczak, Agnieszka Błońska, Zofia Sotek, Damian Chmura, Barbara Bacler-Żbikowska, Gabriela Woźniak

Institutions: University of Silesia in Katowice, University of Szczecin, University of Bielsko-Biała, Medical University of Silesia

Language: English

Topic: Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896