1437 The methodological framework was designed in a modular and scalable manner, enabling its adaptation and replication in other mining facilities characterized by hydrogeological, geochemical, and infrastructural conditions typical of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. 3.1 Stage 1 - Technical analysis of the Brzeszcze Mining Plant The first stage involved the identification and characterization of key material and energy flows associated with the operation of the mine, both at the final stage of extraction and in the long-term period following closure. The analysis was based on available operational data, literature sources, and representative reference values for hard coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The primary focus of the analysis was mine water inflow. An average flow rate of 8,000– 12,000 m³/day was assumed, accounting for seasonal and multiannual variability. The total dissolved solids concentration was estimated at 30–60 g/dm³, with chloride and sulfate ions as dominant components. These hydrochemical characteristics justify the application of advanced separation technologies capable of significantly reducing the salt load discharged to surface water bodies. In parallel, an assessment of the existing energy infrastructure was conducted, including grid connection capacity, the configuration of internal distribution networks, and the potential for integrating additional generation sources. It was assumed that the technical conditions would permit the connection of renewable energy installations with a capacity of several megawatts without major expansion of grid infrastructure. A significant element of the first stage was the assessment of the accessibility of post-mining land for technological and energy purposes. The reference scenario assumed the possibility of developing 10–15 hectares of degraded land, unused for production purposes, which corresponds to the potential for locating photovoltaic installations with a capacity of 5–10 MWp. Key parameters and characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Table 1 – Key parameters of the Brzeszcze Mine transformation model (reference variant) Parameter Unit Approx. value Mine water flow m³/day 8 000 – 12 000 Salinity reduction % 60 – 85 PV installation capacity MWp 5 – 10 Energy demand coverage % 25 – 40 Potential salt recovery thousand tons/year 20 – 40 Methane capture and use (CH₄) annual potential million m³/year 0.5 – 2.0 System operation horizon years > 20 Additionally, potential sources of methane emissions were identified, including active and historical methane drainage systems, abandoned underground workings, and post-mining goafs. This assessment provided the basis for incorporating a methane management module into the overall transformation concept. 3.2 Stage 2 - Concept of an integrated transformation system Based on the results of the technical analysis, a concept for an integrated transformation system was developed. The system is structured around four complementary and functionally interconnected technological pillars. The core component of the system is a mine water purification and desalination module designed in a hybrid configuration combining nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO). The reference configuration assumes a nominal treatment capacity of 10,000 m³/day, corresponding to the average
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