182 practical, scalable, and technically feasible model for converting decommissioned mines into active components of environmental and energy infrastructure. Quantitatively, the proposed solution achieves multiple key outcomes simultaneously: a 60–85% reduction in salt loads discharged to surface waters (approximately 70,000–185,000 tonnes per year), a reduction in indirect CO₂ emissions by 4,000–7,000 tonnes per year, and a direct mitigation of methane emissions through its capture and utilization at levels of 0.5–2.0 million m³ CH₄ per year. The results confirm that post-mining infrastructure, rather than being solely a source of long-term environmental and financial liabilities, can be repurposed as a strategic resource supporting responsible mine water management, renewable energy integration, mineral resource recovery, and greenhouse gas emission reduction. A central conclusion of this work is the necessary shift in perspective: mines should not only be considered as problems requiring closure but can instead be treated as infrastructure assets capable of functional integration within emerging energy and environmental systems. From the operational perspective of the mining industry, the proposed model provides a structured decision-making framework that enables transformation planning already during the production reduction phase, rather than only after extraction has ceased. By integrating water management, energy modules (photovoltaics and methane), and raw material recovery, the model offers the potential to: ● shorten the duration and severity of post-mining environmental impacts; ● reduce environmental and regulatory risks; ● achieve partial energy independence from external sources; ● improve predictability of operational costs over a 20-year horizon. The approach also allows for the reuse of technical and engineering competencies of mining personnel in new operational areas, which has both operational and social significance in the context of a just transition in mining regions. However, the practical implementation of such transformation models is constrained by regulatory and institutional frameworks. In many jurisdictions, the reuse of mine water and the recovery of minerals from brines are not clearly classified as resource recovery activities but are often treated as waste management operations. This ambiguity can extend administrative procedures by several months or even years, increasing investment risk and reducing project feasibility at scale. Additionally, the absence of clear long-term liability frameworks for postmining infrastructure may limit the ability to plan investments over horizons exceeding 20 years, despite the operational lifespan required for water management and energy systems. Addressing these regulatory and institutional barriers is therefore critical for scaling and replicating the proposed model. At a broader level, the proposed transformation approach supports the development of more resilient and sustainable raw material and energy systems, aligning with long-term mining sector transition objectives discussed in international forums, including the World Mining Congress 2026. Future work should focus on piloting similar
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