Hover over the "+" sign. This opens a post with the:

1) subject line - place your given and family names there;

2) middle box - upload either a pdf of your research article or a link to your article if it is an open-access article. Use the appropriate widget/icon to do this.

3) lower box - share your email address and research article title there.

Then publish.

matthias.ammoser@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title:"Impact of a large artificial lake on regional climate:A typical meteorological year Meso-NH simulation results"

jana.morgenthal@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: ARTIFICIAL LAKES IN FORMER LIGNITE OPEN-PITS AND THEIR

UTILITY IN AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMY

Article:

MINED LANDS RECLAMATION USING LEGUME-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS IN THE TALENSI AND NABDAM DISTRICTS OF THE Upper East Region in Ghana.

Contact: karl-wilhelm-rudolf.apel@student.tu-freiberg.de

Student at TUBAF, Geoenergysystems, Oil&Gas

erik.glaeser@student.tu-freiberg.de

Article:

Status, progress and challenges of phytoremediation - An African scenario

benjamin.boden@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: The Economic Value of Allocating Water to Post-Mining Lakes in East Germany

jasmin.klemet@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: Perspectives of lignite post-mining landscapes under changing environmental conditions: what can we learn from a comparison between the Rhenish and Lusatian region in Germany? | Environmental Sciences Europe

luna.guenther@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title of paper reviewed: Contaminated Sites in the Post-Mining Landscape of the Cottbuser Ostsee

tim.kirschbaum@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title of paper reviewed by me:

Revegetation of steeplands in France and New Zealand: geomorphic and policy responses

josephine.steude@student.tu-freiberg.de

Article:

"Mined lands reclamation using legume-based cropping systems in the Talensi and Nabdam diistricts or the Upper East region in Ghana"

Geotechnical Engineering student @TUBAF

Article: Effects of post-mining forest restoration and alternative land uses on ground-dwelling arthropods in Ghana

Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42974-023-00144-8

Title:

Practical Approach to Reclamation of Post-

Mining Sites:

An approach to thresholds for evaluating post-mining site

reclamation

moritz.thiel@student.tu-freiberg.de

Article: Revegetation in abandoned quarries with landfill stabilized waste and gravels: water dynamics and plant growth – a case study

Contact:

• konrad.goetze@student.tu-freiberg.de

• johann-christian-helge.schreiber@student.tu-freiberg.de

student at TUBAF

christian.chernykh@student.tu-freiberg.de

Article: Effects of post-mining forest restoration and alternative land uses on ground-dwelling arthropods in Ghana

Madlen.Borchardt@student.tu-freiberg.de

Case Profile Havel River 030722.pdf

Article::

Remote sensing of soil degradation: Progress and perspective

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209563392300014X

heidi.schieck@student.tu-freiberg.de

GEOENGINEER

Contact: theodor.krueger@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: Water treatment by Phytoremediation and Filtering Through Agricultural Residues

Email: feshun@uesd.edu.gh

https://www.uesd.edu.gh/dr-fatima-eshun/

karolin-juliane.schiefer@student.tu-freiberg.de

Article: The Impact of Anthropogenic Activities in Different Areas on the Population of Butterfly Species in Atewa Forest Reserve Enclave, Ghana

cmensah@jm.uesd.edu.gh

Topic: Restoration of degraded forest reserves in Ghana

Environmental Systems TUBAF student alexa.schödel@student.tu-freiberg.de

TUBAF Environmental Systems student victoria-katrin.dittrich@student.tu-freiberg.de

caroline.issleb@student.tu-freiberg.de

Student at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Environmental System Science (BUS) annika.hartmann@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: Macro impacts of plastic pollution in Ghana

Student at TU Bergakademie Freiberg in Environmental system science (BUS): elin-mandy.quinger@student.tu-freiberg.de

Jtweneboah@jm.uesd.edu.gh

Title: Relationship between small-scale gold mining activities and water use in Ghana: A review of policy documents aimed at protecting water bodies in mining communities

Contact: sgozey@jm.uesd.edu.gh

Article Title: “Urban Sprawl, Agricultural Land Use and Food Security in Shai Osudoku District, Ghana”

Ericaadjeigh@gmail.com

University of environment and sustainable development

https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/2037046248?omn=65782436544

The Zoom Kick-Off meeting is from 11:30-13:00 CET / 10:30-12:00 GMT

we hope you had an enjoyable and productive first zoom meeting.

This COIL is a way to get to know one another through collaborating with one another on a topic that brings you together.

By Monday, January 26 we want to see in a ROUGH DRAFT FORM - so not perfect, but in development - slides and/or documents that answer the questions addressed in the COIL framework "Background" and "Location". Use your research, use your imagination, think outside the box, and brainstorm to envision a touristic product that you theoretically could introduce to a community council interested in developing a touristic product.

If there are questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

​

Core Issue: Encroachment of the "Food Basket"

​The primary problem addressed is the uncontrolled and uncoordinated outgrowth of urban areas into prime agricultural lands. The research highlights how the SOD has expanded by approximately 25% to 30% over two decades. This shift is not merely a change in scenery; it represents a significant threat to the sustainability of farmlands and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers who are increasingly being pushed to marginal lands or forced out of the sector entirely.

​

Major Research Goals

​The author’s primary goal was to quantify the decadal changes in land use and assess how this sprawling affects farmer income and regional food security. To achieve this, the study employed a multi-temporal analysis of Landsat satellite imagery from 1991, 2002, and 2013, combined with social surveys of 200 local farmers. Key objectives included identifying the drivers of this sprawl—such as migration and the high cost of land in the capital city—and documenting the resulting loss in crop yields.

​

Benefits and Practical Utility

​This information is highly beneficial for urban planners and policymakers in Ghana. The findings provide empirical evidence that the current horizontal expansion is unsustainable. The study offers specific recommendations to mitigate these effects, such as:

• ​Developing comprehensive land-use plans to guide urban management.

• ​Encouraging vertical development (storey buildings) rather than horizontal expansion to preserve land.

• ​Urging the government to acquire and designate specific parcels of land exclusively for permanent agricultural use.

​Interesting Insights

​One of the most compelling aspects of the study is the application of the von Thünen Model, which explains how land closer to the city increases in value, inevitably pushing agriculture further out. It was particularly interesting to see how the "pull factors" of the SOD—such as its potential as a future national capital and the site for a proposed International Airport—have accelerated land speculation and the proliferation of estate developers. Furthermore, the study revealed a stark price disparity: land in Accra can cost up to GHC 300,000, while in Dodowa it remains as low as GHC 4,000, creating an irresistible economic pressure for urban migration into the district.

Artificial lakes have increasingly been promoted as multipurpose development tools, serving functions such as water supply, recreation, tourism, and ecosystem restoration. In mining-impacted regions like Ghana, the development of artificial lakes presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in relation to water quality management and environmental sustainability. This summary draws on existing literature to examine how mining activities—especially small-scale mining (SSM)—affect water resources and how these impacts must be addressed in the planning and development of artificial lakes.

Ghana’s mining sector, dominated by both large-scale and small-scale gold mining, has contributed significantly to economic development but has also resulted in extensive degradation of surface water bodies. Many rivers and streams in mining zones have become heavily silted and contaminated with heavy metals and mercury, rendering them unsuitable for domestic, agricultural, and recreational uses. This poses a critical concern for artificial lake development, as such projects depend on clean and sustainable water sources. Without effective regulatory controls and remediation measures, artificial lakes constructed within or downstream of mining areas risk becoming polluted reservoirs rather than viable development assets.

The literature highlights weak enforcement of environmental regulations and inadequate integration of long-term water management considerations in mining policies, particularly for small-scale mining operations. These shortcomings have direct implications for artificial lake projects, as legacy pollution from abandoned or poorly managed mining sites can compromise lake water quality long after mining activities have ceased. While large-scale mining operations are generally subject to stricter water management and treatment requirements, compliance gaps still exist, further increasing risks to downstream water bodies that could feed or support artificial lakes.

Comparative experiences from other mining-intensive countries suggest that successful water-related infrastructure projects, including artificial lakes, require clear regulatory separation between mining and water resource protection, alongside strong institutional coordination. For artificial lakes to function effectively as tourism or water supply assets in mining regions, integrated planning approaches are essential. These include mandatory environmental impact assessments, continuous water quality monitoring, and requirements for water treatment and reuse in mining operations.

The summary further emphasizes the importance of community participation in artificial lake development. Mining-affected communities often rely on degraded surface waters or groundwater for their livelihoods. Involving local stakeholders, including small-scale miners and traditional authorities, in lake planning and management can enhance compliance, reduce conflicts, and promote shared ownership of conservation outcomes.

In conclusion, artificial lake development in mining-impacted areas must be underpinned by strong water governance, effective enforcement of mining regulations, and proactive remediation of polluted water bodies. When properly planned and managed, artificial lakes can serve as tools for environmental restoration, alternative livelihoods, and sustainable tourism, transforming degraded mining landscapes into productive and socially beneficial spaces.

Topic: COIL meeting 2

Time: Jan 26, 2026 11:45 Amsterdam, Berlin, Rome, Stockholm, Vienna

Join Zoom Meeting

https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/2037046248?omn=66305954398

Meeting ID: 203 704 6248

Join instructions

https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/meetings/66305954398/invitations?signature=zdsiQiHun7OGfHkjCjUr79XHxZaJFxMPwHa0qIRaAp0

TU Freiberg

katiana.hegewald@student.tu-freiberg.de

Title: Metamorphosis of Mining Landscapes in Lower Lusatian Lignite Basin(Germany): New Uses and New Image of a Mining Region

Article Summary: The article discusses the transformation of the mining area of Lower Lusatian. During the German Democratic republic, it was intensively used for lignite mining, in the form of open - cast mining. After the reunification a sudden decrease in Mining activities led to a major demographic decay. The mines started to rapidly close around the early 1990s, leading to high unemployment and an identity loss of the local communities. Large wastelands with a damaged environment were left behind.

The transformation is a result of a rehabilitation program which included reforestation and the creation of new lakes. The main transformation was undergone during the 2000s. Artificial lakes like Lake Großräschner, Lake Senftenberg, Lake Sedlitz, Lake Geierswalde or Lake Bärwalder have helped rebuild sustainable economic structures and create a tourism point. The area has become an attraction for water sports, beaches, outdoor activities such as biking and hiking around the lakes and have therefore changed the image of the region

This came with the cost that the region and its communities almost completely lost their mining identity. Only a few Mining sites, such as the former Kettwitz mine, exist as educational institutions.

The area has also become important for Germanys new energy strategy, installing wind turbines in remote areas of the mining wastelands.

The documents examine the future transformation of lignite post-mining landscapes in Germany’s two largest lignite regions, the Rhenish and Lusatian districts, against the background of the planned coal phase-out by 2038, or potentially earlier by 2030. They highlight how decades of lignite mining have profoundly reshaped landscapes, ecosystems, and regional socioeconomic structures, while also emphasizing the distinct natural, cultural, and economic characteristics of the two regions.

The coal phase-out is expected to trigger far-reaching environmental and socioeconomic changes. To support this transition, the German federal government has introduced extensive financial and political measures aimed at enabling a successful structural transformation. However, the starting conditions differ markedly between the regions. The Rhenish district benefits from comparatively favourable natural conditions, stronger urbanization, and a more diversified economic base. In contrast, Lusatia faces greater challenges due to poorer soil quality, disrupted water systems, and less developed infrastructure, making the transformation process more complex.

A central challenge in both regions, particularly in Lusatia, is the ecological restoration of post-mining landscapes. Mining activities have severely degraded soils and ecosystems, with Lusatian soils often being highly acidic as a result of pyrite oxidation. Restoring soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem functions is therefore essential to ensure the long-term provision of ecosystem services. Water management represents another critical issue, as lignite mining has significantly altered regional water balances, especially in Lusatia. These challenges are further intensified by climate change, which may lead to altered precipitation patterns and increasing water scarcity.

Despite these difficulties, post-mining landscapes offer substantial opportunities for sustainable development. Adapted land-use concepts play a key role, particularly on marginal soils where conventional agriculture is often unprofitable. Bioeconomy-oriented land uses, such as the cultivation of fast-growing tree species for bioenergy, can provide economic benefits while contributing to soil improvement. The cultivation of special crops, including viticulture in suitable areas of Lusatia, has already shown success and offers synergies with tourism development. In addition, post-mining areas provide space for renewable energy production through wind and photovoltaic installations, although potential conflicts with nature conservation must be carefully managed.

Nature conservation is another central pillar of future landscape development. Integrating ecological structures into landscape planning and establishing strict nature reserves can enhance biodiversity and support natural regeneration. Conservation initiatives are complemented by environmental education programs that can raise awareness while contributing to regional economies.

Tourism represents a particularly promising development pathway. Artificial lakes created after mining have significant recreational potential, and innovative projects such as the IBA Fürst-Pückler-Land demonstrate how industrial heritage and new landscapes can be combined to attract visitors.

Overall, the transformation of lignite mining regions presents both significant challenges and valuable opportunities. While the Rhenish region is better positioned for a rapid transition, Lusatia holds considerable potential for innovative land use, tourism, and research-driven development. In both regions, integrated and inclusive planning that balances ecological, economic, and social objectives is essential for sustainable long-term success.

Darlene Kilian is inviting you to a planned COIL Zoom-Meeting.
To participate, please join the Zoom-Meeting here:
https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/63290011537

Meeting-ID: 632 9001 1537

Entering – Here's how
https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/meetings/63290011537/invitations?signature=3jtKZWQogKO3QWTHGZ7I3mnXFaHmTxMN2X_0Wkm3GuE

Darlene Kilian is inviting you to a planned COIL Zoom-Meeting.
To participate, please join the Zoom-Meeting here:
https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/j/63290011537

Meeting-ID: 632 9001 1537

Entering – Here's how
https://eu02web.zoom-x.de/meetings/63290011537/invitations?signature=3jtKZWQogKO3QWTHGZ7I3mnXFaHmTxMN2X_0Wkm3GuE