Reports

D4-Deliverable D1.4: Peer reviewed publications, conferences and final workshop

This deliverable (linked to D1.5) presents the results dissemination through:

• peer reviewed publications
• conferences
• and a final workshop that took place during the 32nd International Scientific and Technical Conference on Mining Natural Hazards (November 2025, Jaworze, Poland), where project achievements and applications were presented to an international audience of researchers and practitioners.  

D5-Deliverable D1.5: Dissemination report

This deliverable presents the global strategy related to the dissemination of project results. Different actions were taken from the beginning of the project until the end of the project through different communication channels. The partners of the project are from academia, research centres and mining companies. This consortium facilitated the dissemination and the exploitation of the project. Each partner tried to use all the communication paths for maximising this action. The dissemination covered the communication, the publication and the participation to different dissemination events related to the topic of the project. The development of specific websites allows presenting the PoMHaz project and the main results and tools developed during the project. The scientific high-quality publications in journals, national and international conferences, shared the methodology for the assessment of multi-hazards. The workshops, seminars with different stakeholders, mining authorities, managers, etc. were great events for disseminating and preparing the exploitation of the DSS tool. The MOOC is also a great dissemination tool for students, but not only. This MOOC can be used in the future for explaining the importance of the multi-hazard assessments. 

In summary, the partners engaged an important effort to share the results at national, European and international scales. 

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: Methodological guidelines about risk management

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.

D15- Deliverable D4.4: Coupled GIS-DSS module with an intuitive interface and guide document, documented in a verification case

This document presents the stages of the verification of the system developed by THGA that supports planning and decision making. The stages of work are presented according to the work schedule.

In the first chapter, the selected case studies for testing are briefly introduced. The chapter 2 provides the description of the coal mine, including geology and mining methods. One subsection is dedicated to the topography of the individual cities, because it has a direct impact on hazards and risks. An important factor shaping the development of hazards is the described history of exploitation – past mining methods, methods of mine closure, and the time that has passed since the closure of the mining facilities. The document also describes actions that have been taken systematically, regulated by legal regulations or recommended instructions, aimed at monitoring adverse phenomena.

The evaluation of the system and the maps of hazards and multi-multihazards were carried out for 3 post-mining cities. For this purpose, the team that developed the GIS DSS tool (THGA) used databases detailed for real conditions of well recognized case studies, delivered by GIG-PIB.

D16- Deliverable D5.1: Requirements of end-users and risk criteria for abandoned sites

This deliverable focuses on identifying end-user requirements and defining risk criteria for post-mining areas. It defines the technical and operational requirements for end-users and identifies key hazard criteria essential for sustainable management of post-mining regions. The results demonstrate that the PoMHaz GIS-DSS has strong potential to support integrated land-use planning, risk mitigation and safe redevelopment of post-mining territories across Europe. The insights gained establish a robust foundation for subsequent tool testing and adoption, supporting long-term environmental safety and socio-economic revitalisation in regions transitioning from coal-based economies.

D17- Deliverable D5.2: Geological and environmental data in accordance of GIS and DSS tools of the selected case studies sites

This deliverable focuses on geological and environmental data in accordance with GIS and DSS tools of the selected case studies site; each site presenting different geological, technical, and historical conditions, enabling evaluation of the flexibility and adaptability of the tools.

Due to the diversity of locations in terms of geology, history and mining methods (ore and hard coal) as well as natural and socio-economic conditions, the collection of data for the GIS DSS tool, often required formatting and adaptation in accordance with specific requirements.

D18- Deliverable D5.3: GIS and DSS implementation on real case studies

This deliverable focuses on the outcomes of the application of GIS/DSS on case studies.

The GIS was applied to the case studies in the Southern Ruhr area (Germany), as well as in Megalopolis area (Greece) and Peypin (France). These sites are different, concerning not only geology but also the period since mining was stopped, therefore it would give valuable data for temporal risk development. Due to urban circumstances at chosen sites, there are specific demands for future development and decision making. All problems detected during the specific application on the case studies have been fixed. The DSS is able to identify the hazards based on indicators such as ground movements or water quantity changes so that the end-user can assess the situation appropriately and implement mitigation measures.

D19- Deliverable D5.4: Workshops with end-users; report covering all sites and GIS-DSS

This deliverable focuses on the application of project results in real case studies through the organisation of workshops in selected cities and with target user groups. The main objective was to present and test the Decision Support System tool (DSS, PoMHAZ - Decision Support System) and related tools developed within the POMHAZ project, designed to support spatial planning and mitigate risks in post-mining areas. Three national workshops were organised in Poland (Wałbrzych – 22 participants and Katowice – 15 and 13 participants), one in Germany (Bochum – 24 participants), one in Greece (35 participants) and two in France (60 and 13 participants), engaging local authorities, mining agencies, and other stakeholders. 

Particular appreciation was expressed for the system’s capacity to combine geological, mining, socio-economic, and environmental data, and for ongoing efforts to standardise information from diverse sources. Participants also emphasised the importance of addressing vulnerability and exposure in the risk analyses. Valuable feedback was collected concerning technical and conceptual aspects, such as user access rights, data updating mechanisms, and the need for clear terminology and legends. Questions were raised about public accessibility, data responsibility, and potential misuse of information that could affect investment decisions or city image.
A noteworthy reflection from urban planners recommended replacing the term “risk” with “conditions” when describing post-mining impacts, to better reflect existing environmental and geological factors rather than immediate threats. This semantic shift aims to improve communication and avoid misinterpretation by non-experts.

The feedback gathered during the workshops will guide the refinement of the DSS system, ensuring better usability, reliability, and adaptability to end-user needs.