1436 corresponding to typical values observed in mines undergoing decommissioning in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. Depending on the selected membrane process configuration, a 60–85% reduction in chloride and sulfate loads in discharged waters is assumed. The second component concerns the integration of environmental processes with renewable energy sources, in particular photovoltaic (PV) installations located in post-mining areas. A reference scenario involving a 5–10 MWp PV installation is adopted, capable of covering approximately 25–40% of the energy demand of the water treatment system. This integration is intended to reduce operating costs and lower the carbon intensity of the overall system. The third module assesses the potential for recovering mineral resources generated during mine water treatment, particularly salt concentrates. The model scenario assumes a recovery potential of approximately 20,000–40,000 tonnes per year of mineral salts, which may be utilized for industrial or technological applications in accordance with circular economy principles. The fourth module addresses methane capture and its energy utilization. The proposed approach assumes the integration of existing or planned methane drainage systems with a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. The reference scenario considers methane capture at a level of approximately 0.5–2.0 million m³ CH₄ per year, depending on methane availability and the technical parameters of the drainage or gas capture network. The captured methane is assumed to be used in a cogeneration system to reduce direct methane emissions and to partially meet the energy demand of the water treatment facilities, auxiliary systems, and/or local heat consumers. In addition to its environmental benefits, the methane module performs a system-balancing function by acting as a buffer between variable renewable energy generation and the relatively stable energy demand of the water treatment installations. Its integration into the mine’s energy system reduces dependence on the external electricity grid while contributing to greenhouse gas emission reductions and supporting the objectives of a just transition in post-mining regions. The evaluation of the proposed model is based on three principal criteria: ● scalability, defined as the capacity to adapt the solution to facilities of varying sizes and hydrogeological conditions; ● environmental impact, assessed through the reduction of pollutant loads in discharged waters and the decrease in indirect greenhouse gas emissions; ● replication potential, understood as the feasibility of applying the model to other mining sites in Poland and across Europe. Through this structured approach, the study aims to provide a technically grounded and transferable framework for the sustainable transformation of decommissioned mining infrastructure. 3. METHODOLOGY The methodology adopted in this study is based on a two-stage research and conceptual framework comprising: ● (i) a detailed analysis of the technical, environmental, and infrastructural conditions of the Brzeszcze Mine during the phase of limited extraction and in the long-term post-closure period, ● (ii) the development of an integrated transformation system concept combining mine water management, mineral resource recovery, renewable energy integration, and methane capture and utilization.
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