Quantifying the spatial patterns and influencing factors of open-pit mining land transition in China

In the context of China's accelerated green transition in economic and social development, understanding the dynamics and influencing factors of open-pit mining land (OPML) transition is crucial for promoting ecological restoration and developing green mines. This study establishes a theoretical model for OPML transition, utilizing remote sensing data, Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), and Optimal Parameter-based Geodetector to quantitatively evaluate the spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of both dominant and recessive morphological transitions of OPML in China. The results reveal that from 2019 to 2022, China's OPML experienced a significant dominant morphological transition, with a substantial area reduction of 58.13%, primarily converting to grasslands. However, the overall level of recessive morphological transition, characterized by ecosystem service functions, remains low. Notable regional differences exist in the transition process, with Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, and Yunnan exhibiting superior performance in mine governance. Common drivers of both dominant and recessive morphological transitions include road infrastructure, climatic factors, fiscal revenue, and economic development levels, with road infrastructure demonstrating an exceptionally high contribution rate. The underlying driving mechanisms of OPML transition can be understood within a three-dimensional framework encompassing natural, economic, and managerial systems. The paper further discusses the effectiveness of five existing mine management strategies in China, suggesting that future mine management should account for regional differences in natural conditions and economic development, leverage the critical roles of government governance and infrastructure development in advancing OPML transition, and adopt restoration strategies tailored to local conditions to promote sustainable land use and ecological restoration.