Work

Closure as a New Beginning: Repurposing Post-Mining Sites into Industrial Eco-Parks Backed by Virtual Power Plants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The accelerated closure of hard coal mines across Europe contrasts with Poland’s continued structural reliance on coal extraction and coal-based power generation, increasing the urgency of credible post-mining development models. This article investigates the potential transformation of the end-of-life Bobrek coal mine in Bytom (Poland), drawing on methodological and business-model insights from the European Union (EU) Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS) POTENTIALS and GreenJOBS projects. A combined methodological framework is applied, including structural analysis to identify key transformation variables, morphological analysis to explore alternative redevelopment pathways, and multicriteria assessment to configure coherent scenarios integrating renewable energy systems and circular-economy activities. The results show that an industrial eco-park backed by a virtual power plant (VPP), comprising photovoltaic installations, a mine-water-based geothermal heating system, and small-scale wind turbines, is technically feasible and environmentally sustainable. In parallel, three circular-economy business lines, the recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and refrigeration units, were assessed as possible economic cores of the envisaged eco-park. Overall, the proposed model enables effective reuse of mining infrastructure, supports low-emission industrial activity, and aligns with EU climate policy objectives. The Bobrek site may serve as a reference for post-mining redevelopment in other coal regions.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app16041916

Authors: Alicja Krzemień, Aleksander Frejowski, Grzegorz Wacławek, Stanisław Tokarski, Pedro Riesgo Fernández

Institutions: Central Mining Institute, Universidad de Oviedo

Language: English

Topic: Mining and Resource Management

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896