An approach for ranking abandoned mines by the efficient use of their geothermal potential

Purpose. To develop an approach for ranking abandoned mines in terms of the efficiency mine water heat recovery by geothermal systems through applying set basic criteria; they allow considering geological and mining conditions first approximation preliminary assessing performance located on them. Methodology. The proposed includes five indicators usually available or easily calculated such as conversion factor pumps COP, energy balance, thermal capacity, profit operation, reduction CO2 emissions. balance introduced authors earlier is defined relation produced to equivalent electricity required operation. These are integrated complex rank compare expected generate priority lists industrial installations mines. Findings. We ranked 27 coal Donbas with data separately parameter averaging their contributions. top promising sites open non-circulation, circulation, closed loop efficient were identified. refer mostly deep central part enhanced gradient over 0.03 °C/m. Originality. Firstly, evaluate potential regarding use based existing has been substantiated validated a group developed technique allows-analyz quantify feasibility different design. Practical value. post-mining enables generating regard low-grade from water, thus, identifying most further detailed studies operation various types.