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Towards sustainable resource management: A national assessment of historical mining waste in Poland

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  • Mazurek, Sławomir
  • Derkowska, Katarzyna
  • Januszewska, Anna
  • Sroga, Cezary

Abstract

In this study, we present findings from a comprehensive program in Poland aimed at identifying historical mining heaps, sedimentation ponds, and industrial waste dumps. This program is part of a broader initiative that evaluates past and present waste streams to determine their potential as secondary sources of metals, with a special emphasis on critical resources, aligning with Poland's Raw Materials Policy. This article primarily outlines the methodology used to create an inventory, analyze the identified sites, and draw conclusions regarding their suitability for future utilization. We highlight the importance of investigating historical waste heaps and processing related objects in the context of transitioning to a circular economy while also considering environmental constraints. We emphasize the critical aspects of the inventory process that provide essential information and stress the significance of a comprehensive historical waste inventory initiative. Additionally, we suggest a framework for evaluation that can be adapted for use in other regions, aiming to enhance recognition of domestic and regional resources. The aim is to present the methodological process of a wide-range historical mining heaps inventory program as well as its objectives and achievements - for other countries or surveys planned in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Mazurek, Sławomir & Derkowska, Katarzyna & Januszewska, Anna & Sroga, Cezary, 2025. "Towards sustainable resource management: A national assessment of historical mining waste in Poland," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:102:y:2025:i:c:s0301420725000248
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2025.105482
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bakhtavar, Ezzeddin & Saberi, Sahra & Hu, Guangji & Sadiq, Rehan & Hewage, Kasun, 2023. "Fuzzy cognitive-based goal programming for waste rock management with in-pit dumping priority: Towards sustainable mining," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PB).
    2. Upadhyay, Saurabh, 2022. "Drivers for sustainable mining waste management – A mixed-method study on the Indian Mining Industry," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
    3. Nieć, Marek & Galos, Krzysztof & Szamałek, Krzysztof, 2014. "Main challenges of mineral resources policy of Poland," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 93-103.
    4. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    5. Acordi, J. & Simão, L. & Faraco, M.N.S. & Borgert, C.H. & Olivo, E. & Montedo, O.R.K. & Raupp-Pereira, F., 2023. "Waste valorization of coal mining waste from a circular economy perspective: A Brazilian case study based on environmental and physicochemical features," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    6. Yu, Siming & Wang, Xun & Liu, Jiaming & Wei, Fang, 2023. "Role of mining waste trade on green development in China: Policy implications for circular economy," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(PA).
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