Reports

D6-Deliverable D2.1: Database of hazards related to closed and abandoned coalmines and lignite in Europe

The current document is the technical report of Task 2.1, supporting and supplementing the knowledge base created for D2.1. The primary objective of this task was to create a comprehensive knowledge database for the coal mining communities, explicitly focusing on post-mining hazard occurrences. The primary deliverable is an Excel spreadsheet with a knowledge base document describing the hazards affecting abandoned coal mines
across Europe. Partners representing each country (France, Germany, Greece, and Poland) have been in contact with various national and regional organizations. They gathered relevant data, representative examples, and information on hazard management related to abandoned coal and lignite mines. 

Section 2.1 provides the database’s creation development, while section 2.2 outlines the families categorizing post-mining hazards. Section 2.3 establishes the guidelines governing the utilization of the final knowledge database. Additionally, these guidelines are available as an additional sheet within the Excel file.

D7- Deliverable D2.2: Critical analysis and methodology of multi-hazard interaction

The deliverable addresses more precisely:
• The post-mining hazard and the approaches and used tools across Europe to assess and integrate in a single and consistent framework several specific hazards / hazards interactions and their socio-economic implications;
• The gaps in terms of methods for evaluating specific hazards / hazards interactions, and their socio-economic implications.
The main objective of the deliverable is to summarize the feedback and the critical analysis regarding the risk assessment for multi-hazards in the mining sector and, more precisely, in post-mining areas.
The main outcome of this analysis is showing that the number of the post-mining hazards considered varies from one country to another. The main post-mining hazards related to abandoned coal-mines in Europe are: ground movement, pollution, hydrological disturbance. But also, in Poland, the induced seismicity and radiation are considered as post-mining hazards related to coalmine.
The critical analysis clearly highlighted the lack of multi-hazard analysis. Different tools used for multi-hazard analysis of natural hazards can be used in the context of the postmining hazards, such as multi-hazard matrix, interaction organigram etc. The multi-hazard assessment will present important benefits for stakeholders.
The next steps are the studying of the multi-hazards and multi-risks, methods and regulations for the identification, analysis, classification and assessment of post-mining hazards for their respective countries, and with particular reference to their areas of specific expertise.

D8- Deliverable D2.3: Methodology of the interactions between post-mining hazards

The deliverable addresses more precisely:

• The definition and description of the hazard categories that can occur in the mining area: mining hazards, natural hazards, and technology hazard. 

• The identification and evaluation of the hazard interactions: mining-mining hazards interaction, mining-natural hazards interaction, and mining-technology hazards interaction.

• The construction of the interaction diagrams. 

• The evaluation of special and temporal scale interaction. 

• Suggestion of a tool to map the hazard interaction.
  The results of the work done in this task showing that the assessment of the potential interactions of mining hazards with natural and technology hazards are very important for the management of the abandoned mining sites in Europe and all over the world. The identification of the potential interactions between hazards should be based on the partners knowledge, as experts of the mining, natural and technology hazards. Specific tools were presented in the deliverable e.g. the interaction matrix, the diagram of interactions.

  The application of the developed methodology needs a large effort for collecting the different information firstly to assess the level of the single hazards and then to build the matrix of interactions or the diagrams of interactions. Additionally, different scenarios can be (should) identified, described, allowing measuring the probability of occurrence for a specific site.

  The document presents the development of multi-hazards interaction and assessment in former abandoned mines in order to:

• take stock of the consideration of the physical interactions between various hazardous phenomena and any regulatory incompatibilities or constructive provisions inherent in multi-risk. 
• propose a methodology of multi-hazard assessment that considers the interactions between hazards around abandoned mines. 

D9- Deliverable D3.1: Report on system requirements, system design and architecture

This deliverable presents a comprehensive methodology for multi-hazard risk assessment in postmining areas, developed within the POMHAZ project. The goal of this methodology is to enable effective management and mitigation of risks arising from the complex interactions between natural, post-mining, and technological hazards in post-mining areas. This methodology provides a flexible and adaptable framework that can be applied to diverse European coal regions and beyond by integrating a semi-quantitative, mixed-methods approach.

D10- Deliverable D3.2: DSS specifications related to post-mining hazard management

This deliverable focuses on the functional and non-functional requirements of the DSS, including its operational capabilities for integrating diverse datasets, analyzing risk scenarios, and supporting informed decision-making. It emphasizes the system's ability to present complex data in accessible formats, such as maps and reports, ensuring its usability by a wide range of stakeholders with varying technical expertise. Furthermore, it addresses constraints in development and usage, including data quality, scalability, compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, and the need for user training to facilitate widespread adoption.
Deliverable 3.2 also highlights the DSS's planned interoperability with other modules of the POMHAZ project, ensuring seamless integration with GIS platforms and other project components. By establishing the basis for future development phases, this document guarantees that the DSS will be a robust, reliable, and adaptable instrument for post-mining hazard management, contributing to safer land use planning and sustainable redevelopment in affected regions.

D11- Deliverable D3.3: DSS tool and report detailing its application

This deliverable related to Task 3.3 “Development of a DSS for Risk management” focuses on the development and implementation of a Spatial Decision Support System (sDSS) to manage multihazard risks in post-mining regions. Building on the specifications established in Deliverable 3.2, this deliverable provides a detailed account of the sDSS tool, its methodology, technical architecture, and application in real-world scenarios.
The sDSS employs a multi-criteria decision-making framework to assess risks based on three core factors: Multi-Hazard Index (MHI), Exposed Elements at Risk (EAR), and Vulnerability Index (VI). These factors are calculated using spatial data, expert input, and automated processing, generating actionable risk assessments for specific post-mining sites. The system then categorizes risk levels and proposes tailored actions, such as monitoring, mitigation, or land repurposing, depending on the severity of identified risks.
The sDSS is hosted on a high-performance server and uses a Flask-based API integrated with a PostgreSQL database enhanced by PostGIS for geospatial analysis. Its user interface, built with Leaflet, enables dynamic interaction with risk maps and supports the customization of scenarios by stakeholders. The tool is designed for scalability and replicability, accommodating diverse regional
datasets and enabling iterative improvements through stakeholder feedback.
The development process included rigorous testing in case studies, such as the Southern Ruhr area, demonstrating the system's robustness and adaptability. The sDSS successfully processed large datasets and provided detailed multi-risk assessments, guiding decision-making for urban planners, environmental agencies, and local authorities.
The deliverable concludes that the sDSS is a valuable tool for post-mining hazard management, combining scientific approaches with practical usability. Recommendations for future development include expanding data integration capabilities, enhancing predictive analytics through AI, and establishing comprehensive user training programs to maximize the system's impact. This innovative tool underscores the potential of GIS-supported technologies in transforming postmining risk management and land-use planning.

D12- Deliverable D4.1: Report on system requirements, system design and architecture

In response to the intricate challenges of post-mining hazards, the POMHAZ project has articulated a comprehensive system design and requirement framework. This endeavor is propelled by the necessity for a sophisticated GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS) capable of efficiently managing, analyzing, and visualizing diverse spatial information. The proposed summary encapsulates key components and strategies delineated in the report: 

• data formats and specifications
• pre-porcessing steps
• general concept of DSS toolbox
• front ends for interaction with stakeholders
• selection of a suitable database system
• required harware

D13- Deliverable D4.2: Implemented interfaces, database and DSS toolbox

This deliverable focuses on the development and implementation of user-friendly interfaces of the Decision Support System (DSS), a comprehensive spatial database, and a DSS toolbox to support the monitoring and management of European coalmines post-mining hazards. These components were built using open-source technologies, ensuring cost-effectiveness, accessibility and flexibility.

D14- Deliverable D4.3: GIS-based python toolbox for the implementation of the post-mining hazards

This deliverable aims to create a sophisticated system that integrates a Decision Support System (DSS), a comprehensive database, and a knowledge base within a GIS environment. Its primary goal is to equip stakeholders with powerful tools to predict and assess various post-mining hazards. These hazards are of particular concern in regions affected by abandoned mines, where the interaction of multiple risk factors poses significant threats to both the environment and human safety.