Mines in just transition pose risks of methane emissions, changes to groundwater and surface water, and impacts on ground integrity, stability, and settlement.
The study aims to identify and quantify these long-term risks more effectively, informing rehabilitation strategies that integrate vegetation, drainage, ventilation, and monitoring.
Two coal extraction sites in Romania and Poland, both high methane emitters, will serve as case studies.
The project will combine advanced remote sensing techniques and drones with new methane sensors with mine records and ground truthing.
The results will also provide insights into safer mine closure practices and propose standards for data availability during transition.
