Nature-based technologies for the utilisation of technogenically disturbed lands in mining regions

Olha Medvedieva*, Zariana Halchenko, Maksym Mironov

medvedevaolga1702@gmail.com

Received 03.02.2026, Revised 19.05.2026, Accepted 30.06.2026, Published 06.07.2026
Abstract

The intensive development of the mining industry in the Kryvyi Rih basin has led to the formation of significant areas of technogenically disturbed land (quarries, rock dumps, tailings storage facilities), characterised by complex engineering-geological and geo-ecological conditions and limited suitability for traditional agricultural use. The aim of the study was to analyse the current state of technogenically disturbed land in the Kryvyi Rih mining region and to justify the feasibility of applying nature-based technologies during its revitalisation through the installation of wind turbines. The methodological basis of the study comprised methods of systems analysis, a review of scientific publications, a geo-ecological assessment of technogenically disturbed areas, a comparative analysis of the engineering-geological characteristics of mining sites, and an analysis of natural and technological factors influencing the feasibility of their reuse. The findings identified the specific features of the current mining and environmental conditions of the Kryvyi Rih basin and determined the integrated potential of waste dumps, exhausted open pits, and tailings storage facilities for the safe installation of wind turbines. A detailed analysis of the engineering-geological characteristics confirmed the high potential for using spoil heaps as an alternative means of developing disturbed landscapes. Furthermore, a geo-ecological assessment demonstrated that the considerable height of rock spoil heaps allows for the effective optimisation of the interaction between wind turbines and air flows. Basic principles for the nature-based restoration of disturbed landscapes have been formulated, which envisage synergy between technical-biological reclamation and the infrastructure development of renewable energy without the appropriation of new natural land areas. The practical value of the study lies in the scientific justification for the reuse of land disturbed by human activity without further removal of natural areas from economic use, which contributes to improving the efficiency of land resource use, reducing the anthropogenic impact on the environment, and implementing the principles of sustainable development in mining regions

Keywords:
reclamation; revitalisation; waste dumps; wind turbines; Kryvyi Rih basin

Retrieved from Vol. 60, No. 1, 2026

Pages 34–45

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Medvedieva, O., Halchenko, Z., & Mironov , M. (2026). Nature-based technologies for the utilisation of technogenically disturbed lands in mining regions. Mining Journal of Kryvyi Rih National University, 60(1), 34-45. https://doi.org/10.31721/2306-5435-2026-1-34-45
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