# Environmental safety issues in coal mining regions: the impact of economic activity and environmental challenges

Nazariy Popadynets, Hanna Oleksyuk, Rostyslav Bilyk, Ivan Zalutskyy, Svitlana Plotnytska

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Nazariy Popadynets, Hanna Oleksyuk, Rostyslav Bilyk, Ivan Zalutskyy, Svitlana Plotnytska. Environmental safety issues in coal mining regions: the impact of economic activity and environmental challenges. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2025, 1457, 10.1088/1755-1315/1457/1/012010. [hal-05099270](https://hal.science/hal-05099270v1)

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Submitted on 5 Jun 2025

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PAPER • OPEN ACCESS

Environmental safety issues in coal mining
regions: the impact of economic activity and
environmental challenges

To cite this article: Nazariy Popadynets et al 2025 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 1457 012010

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# Environmental safety issues in coal mining regions: the impact of economic activity and environmental challenges

Nazariy Popadynets¹,³,⁵, Hanna Oleksyuk¹, Rostyslav Bilyk², Ivan Zalutskyy³ and Svitlana Plotnytska⁴

¹Educational and Research Institute of Spatial Planning and Advanced Technologies of Lviv Polytechnic National University, 18 Horbachevskoho St., Lviv, 79057, Ukraine

²Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, 2 Kafedralna, St., Chernivtsi, 58000, Ukraine

³Dolishniy Institute of Regional Research of NAS of Ukraine, 2 Kozelnytska St., Lviv, 79016, Ukraine

⁴IAE Angers, University of Angers, 13 François Mitterrand Ave., 49036, Angers cedex 01, France

⁵Corresponding author: popadynets.n@gmail.com

**Abstract.** This research examines the main historical, geographical, technical, technological, and geological aspects of underground coal mining in the Lviv-Volyn coal basin. It emphasizes the environmental challenges that have arisen due to extensive exploitation of the basin's coal deposits. Key directions of environmental pollution are identified, and their cumulative impact on both the local settlements and the broader coal region's ecosystem is analyzed. Particular attention is given to the degradation of land, water, and air quality, as well as the socio-economic consequences for communities reliant on coal mining. The article proposes comprehensive solutions to address these environmental challenges, including technological upgrades, reclamation projects, and policy interventions. It underscores the necessity of adopting state-level strategic documents aimed at transforming Ukraine's energy sector. These strategies focus on minimizing coal dependency in energy production to ensure sustainable environmental management. Moreover, the study advocates for a systematic approach to resolving legacy environmental issues, fostering the development of alternative energy sources, and promoting green technologies. Findings aim to contribute to a broader discourse on balancing energy needs with ecological preservation, offering practical recommendations for transitioning toward a more sustainable energy framework in Ukraine.

## 1. Introduction

Coal mining regions face significant environmental safety issues stemming from the intensive economic activity associated with coal extraction and processing. The mining process disrupts natural ecosystems, leading to deforestation, soil degradation, and habitat loss [1]. Open-pit mining drastically alters landscapes, creating vast expanses of disturbed land [2]. Underground mining can cause subsidence, damaging infrastructure and natural watercourses [3]. The disposal of mining waste, including tailings and overburden, often results in chemical contamination of soil and water resources. Acid mine drainage, a common issue, introduces harmful substances such as heavy metals into local water bodies, endangering both human health and aquatic ecosystems [1, 3, 4]. The release of methane during coal

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>
extraction contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global climate challenges [2, 5].

The environmental challenges in coal mining regions are compounded by socioeconomic pressures [3, 6]. Communities in these areas frequently depend on coal for economic stability, which can delay efforts to implement stricter environmental controls [1, 7]. Transitioning to more sustainable practices requires significant investment and policy changes, often hindered by political and economic resistance [7, 8]. Remediation of degraded lands and water systems is expensive and time-consuming, posing barriers to long-term environmental recovery [7, 9]. Abandoned mines continue to pose risks, including land instability and lingering pollution [1, 3, 10]. Addressing these issues demands a comprehensive approach, integrating environmental, economic, and social strategies to achieve a balance between resource utilization and ecological preservation [3, 10, 11].

Similar tangible problems in the development of the country's coal regions and the country's energy sector arose in the late 1980s, when coal mining in Ukraine reached its peak [2, 12]. Despite this, the issues of social protection for miners have become increasingly critical, as inadequate measures leave workers vulnerable to the consequences of their hazardous occupation [3, 13]. The negative impact on the health of both mine workers and residents living in settlements near coal mining areas is particularly alarming. Prolonged exposure to pollutants, such as coal dust and chemical runoff, has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and other chronic health conditions [1, 3, 14]. These health risks are exacerbated by insufficient environmental protection efforts, which have significantly heightened the environmental hazards in the region, posing long-term challenges to both public health and ecological stability [3, 14, 15].

The problems caused by the consequences of underground coal mining have been exacerbated since the start of the programme to close unpromising coal mines, which was implemented by the Ministry of Coal Industry in the early 1990s. Closing mines does not solve the environmental problems created by coal mining in a specific local area, which is expanding over time [1, 2, 13]. The deterioration of the environmental situation is deepening and growing to the regional level, when changes affect not only the surface components of landscapes (soil, vegetation, water) but also the main spheres of society's life [14, 16]. The environmental problem is becoming complex, with some components being amenable to restoration (land reclamation, vegetation, etc.), but most of them are systemic and deep-seated problems that significantly change the foundations of development in the field of economics and sociology, requiring research and observation on an innovative basis, which makes it possible to predict more negative consequences in the future or to claim stabilization for further sustainable development of the territories [9, 17].

The issue of environmental safety of the territories of Ukraine has been studied by several domestic scholars. For example, U. Andrusiv et al. focus on assessing the efficiency of the use of fuel and energy resources in Ukraine, including modeling and forecasting, which is important for the environmental safety of coal mining regions due to the impact of these resources on the environment [18]. I. Irtyshcheva et al. analyze the management of the ecological potential of freshwater resources in the context of sustainable development, which is critical for coal mining regions, as water often suffers from industrial pollution [19]. They also investigate the effectiveness of decentralization as an important tool for Ukraine's socio-economic development, which can influence resource allocation and environmental policy at the local level [20]. A. Yakymchuk et al. examine the economic aspects of final energy consumption in Ukraine and the prospects for implementing European experience, which are important for understanding how economic activity affects environmental sustainability [21]. Another publication discusses modeling and management of Ukraine's energy security, which has a direct impact on environmental security, as coal mining regions are significant energy consumers [22]. The author analyzes public administration and economic aspects of nature protection in Ukraine against the background of Poland, which are important for comparing approaches to environmental security in different countries [23]. V. Bondarenko et al. evaluate the efficiency of natural resources use by territorial communities in the context of administrative-territorial reform in Ukraine, which is key to understanding the impact of economic decisions on the environment [24]. N. Pylypiv et al. consider the implementation of a balance model of social responsibility of united territorial communities, including
environmental risk management [25]. V. Yakubiv et al. discuss the use of economic and legal instruments at the stage of transition to the bioeconomy, which is critical for improving the environmental sustainability of coal mining regions [26]. T. Shmatkovska et al. highlight the trends and conditions for the formation of profitability of agricultural enterprises in the Lviv region, which has an impact on environmental policy in the agricultural sector [27]. R. Sodoma et al. study the features of agricultural receipts as a modern financial instrument important for ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources [28]. I. Ivashkiv et al. emphasize environmental responsibility as a prerequisite for the sustainable development of agricultural enterprises, which is directly related to the environmental safety of the territories [29]. L. Simkiv et al. analyze the dynamics of structural processes in the context of sustainable development, including environmental challenges and their impact on economic and investment activity [30].

In this research, the authors examine the environmental challenges that have emerged due to the extensive exploitation of underground coal mining in the Lviv-Volyn basin. The study identifies the main sources and directions of environmental pollution, analyzing their cumulative impact on both local settlements and the broader ecosystem of the coal mining region. Particular attention is paid to the degradation of land, water, and air quality, highlighting how mining activities have led to soil contamination, water resource depletion, and the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The research explores the socio-economic consequences for communities reliant on coal mining, including health risks, economic dependency, and reduced quality of life. The findings aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and societal impacts, offering insights for developing sustainable solutions to mitigate these challenges.

## 2. Methods of research

The study primarily uses the method of statistical data to determine the physical volumes of coal and non-coal mining, which is used to study the size of underground cavities, which is the main cause of subsidence of the earth's surface on a large scale [20, 22 31]. Subsequently, observation, measurement and comparison methods are used to assess the processes of subsidence of the earth's surface, measure the quality of atmospheric air, soil, groundwater, etc., the results of which are compared in spatial and temporal movement in the areas of coal mining impact [8, 22, 32]. The analysis method makes it possible to decompose the environmental problems of coal regions by their areas of creation and type based on observation, measurement, comparison, and to use the synthesis method, combining all components into a single systemic complex environmental problem of the region [8, 32, 33]. To solve environmental problems, it is advisable to apply the problem-priority method based on a realistic approach to the availability of financial, material and technical resources, technological capabilities, etc., with the aim, first, of preserving the life and health of residents of the surrounding areas and their further industrial use.

The purpose of the article is to study the main characteristics of the complex environmental problem of the coal region in the context of Ukraine's environmental and economic policy and to propose the main approaches to its solution.

## 3. Results and discussion

Coal mines depend on the availability of exhaustible, non-renewable natural underground mineral resources that have been previously explored and identified for extraction. Let us consider a brief historical, geographical and geological background that served to form the territorial and production complex as the Lviv-Volyn coal basin, which is located in northwestern Ukraine in the upper reaches of the Western Bug River. Underground hard coal deposits within Lviv and Volyn regions are the southeastern part of the Lublin coal basin in Poland.

The total area of the Lviv-Volyn coal basin is 1400 square kilometres, with a length of 190 km and a width of 60 km. The exploration of hard coal deposits in this area began in the early 20th century by Polish geologists and continued during the Soviet era, and only in 1931 was the presence of pebbles of hard coal confirmed. Subsequently, in 1938–1939, exploration drilling became more active, including the creation of a special commission of geologists and the Lvivvuhlezvedka company, whose work was
interrupted by the war but resumed in the post-war period. Prospecting and exploration work yielded positive results, confirming the possibility of underground mines, which was a significant achievement in the field of coal geology. The discovery of the Lviv-Volyn coal basin in 1949 and the construction of separate coal mining enterprises – mines – radically changed the development of Lviv and Volyn regions not only in terms of economic growth, but also started creating environmental problems that would affect the underground and surface environment in the future.

The first tonnes of coal were produced at the end of 1957 at one of the mines that was built and commissioned. Subsequently, other mines were commissioned, including the last 12 mines, “No. 10 Velykomostivska” (now “Stepova”), which started operations in late 1978. The mines of Lviv region (12) and Volyn mines (9), the Central Processing Plant “Chervonohradská”, auxiliary enterprises in the field of road and rail transport, construction, installation and repair of equipment, quality control, social sphere and others were merged into the largest enterprise in western Ukraine – the Production Association “Ukrzakhidvuhillia”. Subsequently, in the late 1990s, this enterprise was reorganised by creating the State Enterprise “Lvivvuhillia” and the State Enterprise “Volynvuhillia” on its basis.

A separate part of the research on natural resources and conditions of Lviv region, including hard coal deposits, is covered in the works of modern scientists, in particular, M. Nazaruk, who notes that hard coal is developed within the Lviv-Volyn coal basin, which is a southeastern extension of the Lublin basin (Poland). Two of the basin's three geological and industrial areas (GIAs) are located in the region: *Chervonohradskyi* (Zabuzhske, Sokalske and Mezhyrichanske fields) and *South-Western* (Tiahlivske and Liubelske fields) [34].

For a deeper understanding of the environmental protection problems that occur in the areas of influence of the Lviv-Volyn coal basin, it is necessary to consider the geological structure of coal seams in terms of quantitative and qualitative indicators. By their thickness, the coal seams of the basin belong to the category of mostly thin, rarely medium, unaged, aged and relatively aged working seams with an average thickness of 0.4–1.5 m, and there are also seams of greater thickness (total thickness) of 1.5–1.9 m, which are the most productive in the basin.

In order to ensure possible future use of gas released in the process of underground coal mining as a fuel and to prevent the risk of underground explosions, important research on the gas content of coal seams has been constantly carried out by specialists and scientists in the relevant field: up to 400 m – methane-nitrogen, 400–500 m – nitrogen-methane, methane – 500 m and below, which produces 50–98% of methane, the rest in small quantities – nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen and hydrogen [35].

The coal extracted from the subsoil and brought to the surface is usually in the form of rock mass, the quality of which does not meet the established parameters for use at power plants or as household fuel, which requires appropriate enrichment (separation of non-coal mass from coal using dry and wet process technologies). Coal is enriched both at the respective technological complexes of the mines (mechanical rock selection) and at the Central Enrichment Plant “Chervonohradská”, built in the late 1970s.

The enrichment product (concentrate) acquires the appropriate quality indicators in terms of ash content, sulphur content, volatile substances, moisture content and calorific value and is shipped for thermal energy needs, while enrichment waste (rock) is formed in surface dumps (waste heaps) and wet lagoons(). At the same time, these accumulations of mining waste are extremely dangerous, as both burnt and fresh rocks are the largest accumulators of chemical elements and cause the formation of anomalies on the surface of mine pits [36].

It is known that the mining technology in the Lviv-Volyn coal basin is possible only by underground mining, as coal seams occur at a depth of 400–50–600 m on average, which does not allow for the use of open-pit mining. Underground coal mining is carried out by removing working seams with complete collapse of side rocks, using coal mining equipment and technologies available to enterprises for the development of a certain thickness of seams.

Given the environmental situation in the region, as well as the country's policy of reducing electricity generation from fossil fuels, there is a question of the complete closure of coal mining enterprises in the Lviv region in the relevant period. Nevertheless, according to M. Nazaruk, given that the Mezhyrichanske deposit has almost completely exhausted its reserves, the development of hard coal
within the Zabuzhske and Sokalske deposits has great prospects. In recent years, Chervonohradskie
Mining and Processing Division has explored and transferred for commercial development two mines
No. 3 and 4 Chervonohradskyi with 169.1 million tonnes of coal reserves, and two more promising areas
(No. 5 and 6 Chervonohradskyi) are under further exploration. At the same time, there are significant
prospects for the development of hard coal deposits in the South-Western region, in particular within
the Tiahliv and Liubelske deposits, whose total reserves are twice as large as those of the existing part
of the basin and amount to 1.1 billion tonnes, and in the future, 5-8 new mines can be built [34].

It is noted that today, approaches and visions to the formation of Ukraine’s energy policy are radically changing, dictated by modern environmental challenges and the negative impact of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops into the country. The choice of the European integration vector of the state's development stimulates the solution of these problems on the basis of a positive global order of environmental protection, social protection, and proper quality of human life [37].

In this regard, the government is moving away from restructuring the coal industry and towards
balancing the country's energy supply, taking into account the decline in generation capacity of thermal
power plants that use coal.

Based on the above-mentioned main technical and technological aspects of underground coal mining
in Lviv region, the duration of construction and operation of mines (more than 70 years), it is possible
to formulate general directions of environmental protection violations and their impact in the mining
region [37, 38]. According to M. Smolyarchuk, there is an urgent need for an environmental and
economic assessment within mining areas, as the effects of mining operations affect the state of
landscapes that are the habitat of humans [39].

According to the operational data of the State Enterprise “Lvivvuhillia”, during the period of operation of mines in Lviv region (1958–2024), 358.6 million tonnes of coal were mined, appropriately enriched and sold as energy and household fuel, with a volume weight of approximately 256 million m³ [40].

At the same time, approximately 38 million m³ of rock mass of waste heaps (spoil heaps) were extracted and piled on the surface of the earth near the settlements of Sheptytskyi district. In addition to the coal mining workings, all mines have driven more than a thousand kilometres of preparatory mine workings (underground tunnels) necessary for transporting coal, rock, cargo, equipment, miners underground, cutting coal mining areas (longwall), and ventilating the underground space. Thus, the volume of cavities formed as a result of the activities of closed and operating mines can be estimated at approximately 300 million m³.

The area of the underground areas of hard coal deposits, which are called mine fields and are
allocated to each mine separately, but not interconnected, separated only by integral small areas of coal
that cannot be mined and supported by the pressure of the earth's mass, is 186.92 km².

The coal mining technology for Lvivvuhillia's enterprises, which has remained unchanged since their
establishment, provides for the complete collapse of rocks following the extraction of the coal seam, i.e.
the formed cavity is gradually filled with overlying rocks from the roof subsidence. This process is time-
consuming depending on the physical and mechanical properties of the side rocks, but it boils down to
one thing: the gradual filling of voids throughout the entire thickness of the mined coal seam. The
company's long-term large-scale coal mining is designed so that 2-4 balance seams are mined within
the mine field, so the total thickness of the mined coal seams can reach up to 5 metres. The presence of
large-scale underground technological cavities that cause collapse and subsidence of overlying rocks
under the pressure of the earth's mass is a consequence of the subsidence of the earth's surface as a
whole above them, the territory of which is expanding spatially, despite settlements, production
facilities, transport routes, railways, residential buildings, land, rivers, forests and other surface
structures, etc. As an exception, in order to protect important objects on the surface (urban development,
enterprises, buildings), the coal seam is not removed from the calculated area (a so-called protective
target is created), while other objects within the designated mine field are considered to be fake, i.e.
sinking along with the change in surface relief. This has led to negative complex anthropogenic changes
in the environment, among which the most threatening are:
1. The accumulation of loose and unstable man-made rock deposits on the earth's surface (spoil heaps) close to human settlements and habitats, containing chemical substances released as a result of natural climatic phenomena, spontaneous combustion of coal residues.

2. The loss of significant areas of natural and agricultural ecosystems that play an extremely important local ecostabilising function, flooding and waterlogging of territories destroy forests, meadows, flora and fauna that had previously existed in the natural environment.

3. Subsidence of the earth's surface with the effect of a "common cauldron" over a large area, uncontrolled flooding and the risk of disrupting the stability of the above-ground infrastructure and underground engineering and communication networks.

4. Changes in the balance and chemical composition of groundwater due to the emergence of artificial underground water flows (lakes) and mineralisation of mine water, which is in constant motion at both active and closed mines. At the same time, mixed groundwater causes soil destruction and disrupts food, microbiological, water and air regimes.

5. Disruption of natural water circulation and pollution on a wider scale.

6. Air pollution from active mining operations due to emissions of harmful substances from coal combustion in boilers and burning of waste heaps.

7. Changes in the microclimate due to the movement (subsidence) of the earth's surface, contamination of the surface soil layer, thermal effects of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, etc., including sulphur dioxide, which causes acid rain.

These man-made changes in the environment are interdependent and integrated, which increases their negative impact, in particular, to assess them, it is necessary to apply the method of correlation and determine the result of this impact on the health of residents of the surrounding areas. Such research is the basis for health and social protection needs now and for future generations.

In view of the tasks of developing the national economy and its ecosystem, involving territories affected by environmental problems, especially if such problems are intertwined, deepened, expanded in space and time, and have a systemic nature, there is a need for a comprehensive conceptual study and development of ways to restore the natural environment. At the same time, it should be understood that environmental issues resulting from underground mining are considered to be subject to environmental restoration through the use of technologies and resources (e.g. land reclamation), and others that require adaptation, living, production and economic activities, systemic protection, etc. in accordance with conditions that are restorable and not subject to restoration.

First of all, it is necessary to forecast the development of degradation processes associated with subsidence of the earth's surface and expansion of the subsidence area. Such a forecast can be made on the basis of a spatial analysis of mine fields of the past operating and closed mines, current and future coal production using modern technologies of integrated geodynamic and environmental monitoring (Figure 1).

If we compare the underground space as a single set of coal mining fields in Lviv region, which covers an area of 186.92 km² and is located almost under the vast majority of settlements in Sheptytskyi district of Lviv region, we can state the scale of the impact of the general trend of land subsidence in the regional definition. Despite the fact that the relevant regulations prohibit coal extraction directly under cities, large towns and villages with residential buildings, the effect of the "common cauldron" of land subsidence affects these settlements in one way or another and creates problems with failures of sewerage networks, water intakes, cracking in houses, etc. At the same time, a significant number of people are exposed to negative impacts on their lives and health, with occupational diseases and specific diseases associated mainly with being in the area affected by the environmental problems of coal mining (hypoplasia) being more common.

For a long period of time, coal mining enterprises in Lviv region have been taking appropriate measures to improve the environmental situation in the region. In particular, as a result of the construction of powerful dams in flood zones and, in some settlements, the complete flooding of commercial buildings and residential houses (villages of Volsvyn, Mezhyrichchia, Bendiuga, Silets and others) that occurred in the 60s and 70s of the last century during the flooding of the Western Bug River and its tributaries, the Solokiya and Rata Rivers, this negative process was stopped. Territories, pastures,
land, etc. have been restored, new roads, water intakes, and other facilities for active economic and public use have been built. The process of extinguishing waste heaps and reforesting them is underway, which improves air quality.

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /><figcaption>**Figure 1.** Underground space of mine fields of coal mining enterprises in Lviv region.</figcaption></figure>

In general, the following approaches to the development of solutions to environmental problems in mining regions, including Lviv region, are considered, which can be implemented at the expense of financial, labour, material resources included in the cost of coal production at operating mines and auxiliary enterprises, budgetary resources of all levels, public-private partnerships, grants and other resources not prohibited by law.

In particular, to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the environmental situation in the coal region, including in Lviv oblast, in certain areas and blocks of environmental problems, assessing their technical and technological quantitative, qualitative, relative indicators and parameters of the past, present and future, namely

- environmental issues and the impact of closed mines and the areas where they were located;

- real-time environmental impacts of existing coal mining and processing enterprises and measures taken by them during the period of their core operations;

- consider the prospect of building new mines, taking into account the existing proven prospective reserves of the Lviv-Volyn coal basin, but in the context of decarbonising the economy, increasing the rate of energy production from renewable sources, green energy and reducing fossil fuels, while taking into account the destruction of infrastructure and the suspension of coal mining in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine;

- assess the consequences of closing existing mines that will be closed in the near future due to the depletion of reserves or a government decision to close a mine due to the formation of the country's and the world's energy market, deepening environmental problems on a global scale, including on the way to joining the European Union;

- to carry out systematic ecological, economic, technical and technological monitoring of environmental processes in the coal region using modern computer technologies in spatial and temporal
dimensions, taking into account their scientifically justified limitations;

– timely identify threats and risks of future changes to the land surface, soil, groundwater and surface water, the risk of methane gas coming to the surface in closed mines, and air pollution due to irreversible processes in waste heaps;

– to assess the possibility and reliability of surface construction of ground facilities, structures, transport routes, underground gas and electricity supply communications, engineering networks, industrial enterprises, housing, social facilities, etc. that are the basic basis for the socio-economic development of the territories;

– develop proposals for the construction of environmental facilities, treatment plants, clean water intakes, water pipelines and networks, as well as the possibility of using waste heaps raw materials in construction or other industries;

– assess the social component, in particular, ways to improve public health and social protection against negative environmental impacts.

Based on research, monitoring and assessment materials, a general balance is made between the losses caused by a particular environmental problem and the costs of taking measures to address it. On the basis of such a balance, the need is determined on the basis of a problem-priority approach to calculate financial resources, technological and technical capabilities and sources of their mobilisation and use.

The method of balancing problems and benefits, which should be properly assessed and evaluated by analytical, research and scientific methods for each territorial community, is applied. The comprehensive systematic approach of such balancing is to identify the real causes, factors, drivers, their qualitative, quantitative, relative characteristics that show the scope of influence that led to the current state, consequences and experience of restructuring coal enterprises in the past [37].

One of the ways to overcome the problems and consequences of underground coal mining at the state level is the adoption of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 1024 dated 22 September 2021 “On Approval of the Concept of the State Target Programme for Fair Transformation of Coal Regions of Ukraine for the Period up to 2030” (the “Concept”). According to the Concept, “coal regions are defined as regions in which coal mining and coal processing enterprises are located, including those that are in the process of liquidation, conservation or reorientation to other types of economic activity, and coal-fired thermal generation enterprises, regardless of ownership” [41].

According to the National Economic Strategy for the period up to 2030, approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 179 of 3.03.2021, the economy is expected to decarbonise (increase energy efficiency, develop renewable energy sources, develop a circular economy and synchronise with the European Green Deal initiative) [42].

Adoption of the Energy Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030, which provides for the goals and objectives of the long-term development of the country's energy sector, in particular, the state policy of the fuel and energy complex development should be defined as a course of action of public authorities to influence the national economy to ensure stable functioning and sustainable development of energy markets, eliminate the negative consequences of their functioning and protect national interests [43].

In the future, with the adoption of the Energy Strategy of Ukraine for the period up to 2050, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on 21 April 2023 No. 373-r, which absorbed the provisions of the Energy Strategy for the period up to 2030, the transition to sustainable development in the energy sector implies a process of change in which the exploitation of natural resources, investment directions, orientation of scientific and technological development will be carried out on the basis of achieving the maximum level of climate neutrality, maximum reduction of coal use, development of alternative energy sources, and development of alternative energy sources [44].

Thus, in accordance with the strategic goals of the country's long-term development of the energy sector, the current situation in the coal regions, approaches to restructuring coal mining enterprises, closing existing mines and building new ones should be based on broad requirements for environmental protection and overcoming environmental problems.
**4. Conclusions**

Environmental problems in coal mining regions are created systematically both in the process of ongoing
underground coal mining and for a long period after the mine closure, and have a negative impact on
the socio-economic development of the territories.

The country's future energy policy is being considered in the context of reducing electricity
generation by thermal power plants, curtailing underground coal mining, and intensifying the transition
to alternative clean energy sources.

Environmental problems in the areas where mines and their underground mine fields are located,
from which coal is extracted, are created by the peculiarities of the technological process, namely the
collapse of rocks in the subsoil in the cavities of the selected rock mass, which causes subsidence of the
earth's surface, formation of lakes, soil waterlogging, destruction of vegetation, water pollution, and
withdrawal of land plots from economic circulation for their original purpose. A part of the non-coal
rock mass (rock, stone, etc.) extracted to the surface and separated from coal is formed into waste heaps
(terricones), increases the pressure of the earth's mass on underground voids, and pollutes the
environment with negative emissions into the atmosphere as a result of combustion, surface and
groundwater with chemical elements in settlements, which adversely affects human health.

The subsidence of the earth's surface creates problems with the stability of buildings, structures,
roads, utilities, and contamination of surface and groundwater with chemical elements that can enter
residents' wells, which requires significant additional funds and appropriate means for repair and
restoration.

Thus, in order to solve environmental problems in coal regions, prevent the consequences of the
negative impact of underground coal mining in the future, and function as areas for economic
diversification as a result of the curtailment of coal mining, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive
assessment of the environmental situation in the areas using modern innovative technologies, develop a
relevant programme, action plan, and determine the need for all types of additional resources, including
taking into account current trends in the country's energy market balance.

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