Strategic planning of post-mining land uses: A semi-quantitative approach based on the SWOT analysis and IE matrix

Abstract

The suitable Post-Mining Land-Use (PMLU) selection is the main stage in mine reclamation planning. One of the main objectives of mine reclamation is to ensure the sustainability of PMLU. To achieve a sustainable PMLU, the suitability and vulnerability of the PMLU should be maximum and minimum, respectively. In this regard, in addition to mined land suitability assessment, it is necessary to identify the PMLU option's vulnerabilities and provide appropriate solutions to mitigate them, relying on the PMLU option's strengths and existing opportunities. The best technique for handling this problem is the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis method. However, very few studies have been done on the SWOT analysis of PMLU alternatives, most of which are qualitative and only provide a SWOT matrix without defining strategies to assure the sustainable deployment of PMLU options. Based on the SWOT analysis and the IE (Internal-External) matrix, a novel strategic planning approach for post-mining land-uses is developed in this study. To this end, after forming the SWOT matrices, appropriate strategies are defined based on the strategic position of each PMLU option in the IE matrix. The proposed approach is verified in Iran's iron ore mines. For generating the SWOT matrices, in total, 43, 41, 48, and 48 items of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were defined for 8 possible general PMLU options, respectively. By quantifying the internal and external strategic factors, the PMLU option of non-renewable energy achieved the best strategic position in the IE matrix. Then, based on the PMLU options' strategic position in the IE matrix, 32 strategies were defined for all 8 PMLU options. To avoid overlapping strategies, each strategy simultaneously addresses several strategic factors. This new generic approach makes choosing the sustainable PMLU option easier and gives a general vision for the mine reclamation project's success.