Evaluation of surface mining areas through geospatial analysis. The case of Ptolemais lignite mines

The lignite surface mines often occupy large areas to develop the mining activities: pits, dumping areas, bunkers, buildings, workshops, and other auxiliary facilities. The land reclamation methods and the corresponding land use alternatives after the mine closure constitute an important part of an integrated mining planning. In the present contribution, the main parameters of geospatial planning are investigated in order to assess the changes in land uses in a mining area and to correlate them with the spatiotemporal development of the extraction works. As a case study, geospatial analysis of the current situation in Ptolemais mines is presented. In particular, seven dumping areas are assessed regarding their suitability for specific land uses. The assessment is based on the following criteria: a) slope gradient, b) reclamation works already completed, c) slope aspect, d) proximity to the road network, and e) proximity to residential areas. Furthermore, the ArcGis software is used to compile the layer maps of the corresponding parameters.