Current situation of lignite exploitation from Oltenia's mining basin and reuse solutions of remaining gaps

Oltenia’s coal basin occupies an area of 4500 km2 and has the most important deposits of lignite in Romania, many of which are exploited through open-pit mining works. Open-pit lignite exploitation involves occupancy of large areas of land on long-term and considerable negative changes of physical, chemical and structural characteristics that define the regional elements, resulting in full damage of the existing landscape. Recovery and rehabilitation planning of a remaining void represents an essential step and consists into establish and implement the necessary measures of reasonable accommodation of land so that it is compatible with the environment, and aims at reintegrating degraded land in the landscape and increases its value. Choosing the final use of a remaining void is made taking into account criterias such as the climate, land morphology, slope stability conditions, regional development strategy, community requirements, financial resources, etc.