The impact of the closure of mining plants on the local environment in the perspective of demographic change and public health

Abstract

Purpose: in the cognitive space of the article, an important and significant challenge arises, which is - in the perspective of the megatrends indicated in the article, demographic change and public health - the need to prepare a package of socio-economic activities dedicated primarily to the inhabitants of the areas where the process of closing down mining plants will take place. In this context, the issues of demographic change and health should be given priority in these areas in activities promoting social and economic activity in the transformation process. Methodology: the theses presented in the article were verified using the following methods: literature review, critical analysis of literature, analysis and comparison of documents and an example of good practices. Resultat: in the perspective of the next decades, numerous social and economic challenges and effects related to the transformation of mining plants in the space of local communities (commune, district) can be pointed out. While maintaining the hierarchy of objectives described in the European Green Deal Plan and clearly related to the plan for the transformation of mining plants, lasting cooperation of the three key stakeholders in this process, i.e., local communities (representation of local and territorial self-government), employers and representation of state policies, should be expected in their environment. Originality: the conclusions and recommendations from the article may be important for researchers and practitioners involved in the implementation of activities aimed at limiting the marginalization, differentiation and social and economic exclusion of residents of areas where the process of closing mining plants will take place. Keywords: mining, demographic change, public health.