Evaluation of Strategies for the Sustainable Transformation of Surface Coal Mines Using a Combined SWOT–AHP Methodology

The sustainable transformation of surface coal mines aims to recover geoenvironmental and socioeconomic factors (ecosystems, landscape, soil, water, employment, etc.) related extractive operations. transition sustainability starts when a mine enters the ageing/closing phase includes large-scale technical activities for repurposing mined sites. Moreover, circular economy practices methods are introduced efficient socio-environmentally friendly use mining wastes non-exploited resources. selection strategy constitutes complex decision-making framework presenting various practical problems. This paper provides critical analysis concerning definition problems suggests methodology with case study closing lignite in Greece. combines (a) strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) importance evaluation alternative strategies, (b) analytical hierarchy process (AHP) applied quantification these most advantageous strategy. In this context, it is based on expert judgement. results indicate that proposed can be used as tool resolve closure post-mining issues.