IGF Case Study: Achieving a Successful Post-Mining Transition With Renewable Energy

This case study by the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) examines the conversion of abandoned mine sites (brownfields) into renewable energy generating spaces (brightfields), specifically focusing on solar and wind projects in Canada and Germany.

• The conversion of contaminated land or abandoned mine sites, known as 'brownfields', into renewable energy areas, termed 'brightfields', transforms financial liabilities into economic opportunities and supports the energy transition. This practice has seen significant growth, with the United States government vetting over 80,000 brownfields for such development.
• Former mine sites are well-suited for wind and solar projects because the remediation process clears above-ground structures and these sites are typically located near existing power lines, simplifying grid connection.
• The report highlights two specific examples of renewable energy conversion: the SunMine solar farm in the interior of British Columbia and the transformation of a former coal mine into a wind park in Ruhr, Germany.

APA

Church,, J. K. (2022). IGF Case Study: Achieving a Successful Post-Mining Transition With Renewable Energy. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/igf-case-study-post-mining-transition-renewable-energy

Chicago

Church,, Jonas Kuehl,Clare. IGF Case Study: Achieving a Successful Post-Mining Transition With Renewable Energy. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2022. https://www.iisd.org/publications/igf-case-study-post-mining-transition-renewable-energy.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Church, |first1=Jonas Kuehl,Clare |title=IGF Case Study: Achieving a Successful Post-Mining Transition With Renewable Energy |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=11 January 2022 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/igf-case-study-post-mining-transition-renewable-energy |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{church2022igf, author = {Church,, Jonas Kuehl,Clare}, title = {{IGF Case Study: Achieving a Successful Post-Mining Transition With Renewable Energy}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2022}, month = jan, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/igf-case-study-post-mining-transition-renewable-energy}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }