In the coal phase-out era, achieving sustainable mine closure is significant and prioritizes targets for the mining industry. In this study, the already closed lignite mine of Kardia, North Greece, is investigated, where the mine void left is naturally filled with water. The viability of different repurposing land uses is evaluated, and the natural water level development inside the mine pit is investigated concerning its future uses. The potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels developed on mining land and its surrounding area is evaluated in combination with the application of pumped hydro storage (PHS) technology, utilizing pit lake water. Except for electricity system planning, other end-uses that offer multiple, mutually reinforcing and lasting benefits are investigated, such as recreation parks, terrestrial wildlife, aquaculture and agriculture. All repurposing scenarios are evaluated with regard to the spatiotemporal evolution of the lake, by generating forecasts of the dependent variables (rainfall and temperature) via linear (autoregressive integrated moving average) and non-linear (artificial neural network) models. The prediction of pit lake natural development redefines the new land use layout and the land repurposing decisions. This is essential for strategic planning, considering the Greek lignite mining industry’s priority regarding transitioning from the current coal-based electricity to renewable energy sources (RES) technology.

This study examines the socio-technical challenges and public acceptance of hybrid pumped-hydropower storage (HPHS) technology within the broader context of energy transition in two European coal-mining regions: Western Macedonia, Greece, and the Łódzkie Region, Poland. These regions, deeply rooted in lignite mining, face profound socio-economic transformations driven by the EU Green Deal and its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transition from coal dependency to renewable energy represents not only a critical environmental goal but also a significant socio-economic challenge for local communities, necessitating innovative and inclusive strategies to mitigate impacts and ensure equitable outcomes. The research integrates desk studies with stakeholder surveys (n = 129) to assess public awareness, perceived impacts, and acceptance of HPHS technology as a repurposing solution for decommissioned open-pit lignite mines. Results reveal that while awareness of the energy transition process is high (90% in Western Macedonia and 80% in Łódzkie Region), familiarity with HPHS technology varies significantly (76% and 48%, respectively). Support for implementing HPHS in former mining sites is stronger in Western Macedonia (73%) compared to Łódzkie Region (63%), with knowledge of HPHS correlating positively with acceptance (r = 0.83, p < 0.01). Both regions recognize the environmental benefits of HPHS, including improved air quality and biodiversity; yet, socio-economic challenges such as job losses, reduced income levels, and limited opportunities for reskilling persist, particularly in Łódzkie Region, where 77% of respondents view the energy transition as negatively impacting the labor market. By focusing on regions historically dependent on mining, this study highlights the critical role of addressing the unique needs of communities undergoing systemic transformation. The repurposing of former lignite mines into HPHS facilities offers a promising pathway for balancing environmental objectives with local socio-economic revitalization. However, success requires region-specific strategies, including transparent communication, stakeholder involvement, and targeted investment in workforce adaptation and infrastructure. These findings contribute to the growing discourse on how socially inclusive and technically feasible solutions can drive equitable energy transitions in post-mining regions.

Hydrogeological conditions constitute a crucial factor during mining excavations. However, they could also define when and how rapidly the final pit voids will be filled with water after mine closure. They also influence the final steady-state water volume of the lake formed. This paper investigates the hydrogeological conditions of the Kyparissia surface mine in the Megalopolis lignite field. Due to the very rapid filling from three karstic aquifers, these were the determining factors for ceasing exploitation in 2012. A pit lake has been formed in the mine void since 2017, with an average depth of 30 m and a maximum depth of approximately 36 m, extending to a surface of 0.8 km². The significant role of the hydrogeological setting is highlighted in the creation, maintenance, and development of pit lakes.

In the context of the lignite phase-out plan in Greece, the aim of the Public Power Corporation (PPC) is sustainable mine closure and land reclamation and, at the same time, the enhancement of safe mining and post-mining activities. The main objective of this study is to provide a methodology to identify the areas in complex surface mining landscapes that are more vulnerable to flooding using remotely sensed satellite data. This is an integral part of the strategic planning of the new land uses and the design of new and improved water management strategies. In this research, the change detection method is applied using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and flood-prone zones are delineated.