Assessing repurposing options for abandoned mines and quarries in Victoria, Australia using spatial MCDA

Abandoned mines and quarries pose significant risks to communities and ecosystems worldwide. This study introduces a spatial multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) framework and uses it to evaluate and rank seven repurposing options for over 15,000 abandoned mines across Victoria, Australia. The application of the framework incorporates seven end-use options and fourteen different spatial indicators, derived from an extensive literature review of site suitability studies. The MCDA framework was applied to assess the suitability of various repurposing options based on spatial criteria relevant to each end-use. Key findings indicate that tourism, pumped hydropower, flood retention, and solar energy generation are the most favorable options across most regions of Victoria. The study also delineates relatively favourable locations for the overall low-scoring options like water supply, wastewater management and solid waste management. The framework is adaptable to include additional repurposing options and criteria, making it transferable to diverse regions globally. The research not only addresses the specific challenges faced by Victoria but also contributes to the understanding of sustainable abandoned mine rehabilitation on a global scale.