Obsolete Mining Buildings and the Circular Economy on the Example of a Coal Mine from Poland—Adaptation or Demolition and Building Anew?

Abstract

During the energy transition period and the increased supply of developed land, an analysis was conducted on the economic viability of transforming post-mining buildings. This study sought to answer the following questions: Does the circular economy create new conditions for adapting these specific industrial facilities? Should mining buildings be adapted or should they be demolished and built anew? The objectives of the article were to perform a comparative analysis (financial, environmental, and social) of these alternatives and to develop a decision-making model for managing obsolete mining facilities using circular economy principles. Decision-making regarding mining buildings should occur as part of revitalising post-mining areas. Consequently, the method used was research through design followed by comparative analyses: financial, environmental, and social. As a result, the study demonstrated the potential for adapting buildings on a defunct mining site, mainly compressor and fan stations. The financial, environmental, and social profitability of investing in the adaptive reuse of historic buildings was established. The entire process was encapsulated in a universal decision-making model. The analytical results presented in the article indicate that mining buildings represent a significant resource in a circular economy and their adaptation should be prioritised.

1. Introduction

The significant impact of the construction sector on resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions positions this industry to play a pivotal role in addressing the scarcity of natural resources and the climate crisis. The circular economy aims to support this sector by promoting (1) resource conservation (raw materials and space), (2) designing energy-efficient buildings constructed with renewable materials and designed for easy recycling, and (3) extending the life of existing structures through adaptation for other functions (e.g., [1]).

Reusing post-mining buildings that have lost their original functions presents opportunities for improving environmental conditions, primarily by reducing the consumption of natural resources. Europe utilises 23% of the world’s metal and mineral mine production but only produces 2–3% itself [2]. Therefore, redevelopment of post-mining structures is essential, especially given their high supply from mine closures due to resource depletion, mining industry restructuring, and energy transition. In Poland, the supply of post-mining areas is substantial. It provides a field for research with results that could be applied in other countries. A total of 41 European mining regions are undergoing energy transition, with mining infrastructure in 108 areas [3]. This can involve several to dozens of mines, other industrial facilities, and associated residential and social buildings on a city scale. In this context, it is worth noting that the building sector is responsible for a significant share of global material use (Figure 1a, [4]), and construction and demolition waste accounts for an essential portion of all waste generated in the EU—37.5% (2020 data [5], Figure 1b), with about 35% being landfilled [6].

This article addresses the issue of economically managing post-mining-built areas to reduce excessive extraction of natural resources and environmental burden. Selected mining facilities with the highest historical and artistic value are designated for museum functions, preserving the memory and identity of the places. However, it is essential to initially distinguish between preserving buildings deemed unnecessary and those considered valuable. The objects analysed in this article, constituting mining heritage, were widely regarded as redundant—they were neither seen as possible to adapt nor worth conserving (even the conservator of historical properties did not oppose their demolition). Has the circular economy opened up new opportunities for their preservation and profitable use?

In this article, the authors attempt to characterise the actions that led to abandoning the plans to demolish post-mining buildings. This shift was due to recognising resources in obsolete buildings and non-functional equipment. The studied structures were neither adapted for new functions nor were resources and space recovered for new ventures. Demolition was averted by acknowledging the aesthetic value of non-functional buildings and the economic potential of preserving them as assets that the owner intended to discard (waste). The efforts of the team (including the article’s authors and activists) to protect all buildings and equipment (even those in poor technical condition), which investors were not interested in and lacked the means to restore, are described. The visibility of degradation was deemed an essential attribute of the space. Instead of being seen as an economic burden, these structures were recognised as sources of additional funds. These actions demonstrated that preserving buildings initially slated for demolition is economically justified.

This article describes the experiences gathered during a two-year project to revitalise the Brzeszcze-East Hard Coal Mine (HCM) (Kopalnia Węgla Kamiennego Brzeszcze-Wschód). The project resulted in a radical change in the approach of site managers and local authorities towards mining heritage.

The objectives of the article are as follows:

• To conduct a comparative analysis (financial, environmental, and social) of two alternatives: demolition and construction of a new building and adaptation of an existing mining facility;
• To develop a decision-support model for handling obsolete mining facilities following the principles of a circular economy.

The study aims to raise awareness (through a real-world case study) that revitalising built-up mining sites plays a significant role in a circular economy.

The analyses are intended to answer the research question: adaptation or demolition and building anew? The article’s authors are often confronted with such a question when working with the mining industry and local governments. The authors decided to base their search for an answer not only on financial but also on environmental and social analyses.

Based on the analysis of the state of research and their own experience, the authors hypothesised that the adaptation of historic buildings would be more favourable in terms of the environment. However, the differences could be in financial terms: more or less expensive, depending on the planned functions. Social aspects are beyond hypothesis, as residents’ opinions are always divided.

These materials are intended to enable a comparison of the actualised costs of further actions (returning to the concept of demolition and new construction vs. adaptation).

It is worth noting that in the context of energy transition, the goal of preserving buildings represents a departure from immediate profits derived from demolition. The case analysis helps us to understand better the motivations of the community faced with making decisions about the fate of their heritage and also to recognise these structures, previously deemed unnecessary, as tools for the circular economy.

2. Analysis of the Research State on the Circular Economy in the Construction Sector

The literature demonstrates that the circular economy in the construction sector is a significant research topic. We will focus on the financial, environmental, and social aspects of adaptive reuse versus demolishing and building anew, which are considered significant benefits of the CE [7].

Adapting post-mining buildings for service functions (public, such as cultural centres—e.g., Silesian Museum (Figure 2a)—and commercial, such as restaurants—e.g., Casino Zollverein (Figure 2b)) and making them accessible to the public is familiar worldwide, including in Poland. Often, these adaptations aim to improve the urban structure of the city or revitalise economically and socially degraded areas (e.g., Zeche Zollverein seeks to shift the “social equator” dividing the city into “better” and “worse” parts). In this context, protecting historical buildings supports social [8] and economic aspects. Especially in the mining sector, where successive generations worked in the mines, utilising useless structures has both affective and rational—economic—significance.

However, the need to preserve buildings abandoned by industry is often debated. Some, aiming for sustainable waste management, advocate for demolishing the structures to reclaim land for new investments or nature (e.g., Cedric Price in the seminal project on revitalising the mining area—Potteries Thinkbelt, 1964–1966, or industrial docks—Duck Land, 1989–1991; CCA Archives [9]). Others support the idea of repurposing buildings [9]. There is a perception that entirely adapting buildings brings the most significant economic and environmental benefits, even if they were designed for other purposes [10]. In this context, it is worth citing heritage community buildings (as has been done, for example, in Salerno, Italy, about clay industry heritage). The study’s authors emphasise that cultural heritage is critical to sustainable development. In turn, the community, through its conscious actions, can influence preservation and adaptive reuse, thus rebuilding social ties and “reducing the ‘waste’ of natural and cultural resources” [11]. Social impact assessment includes working conditions, health and safety, cultural heritage [12], employment, education, land use, and demography [13]. These categories and additional authors are comparatively analysed.

In industrial building construction, flexibility is often incorporated into the initial plan to accommodate technological changes. Mining buildings are unique compared to other industrial structures. Their internal spaces could be less flexible, being divided by built-in machinery. This raises the question: can post-mining buildings be adapted to serve different functions without losing their character, atmosphere, and cultural values?

Reviewing the implemented examples concludes that even particular objects can be adapted for utility functions. For instance, as part of the remediation and revitalisation of the disused shipbuilding area in Amsterdam, old boats serve as offices for the creative industry [14]. This investment, known as De Cuevel, can be considered a model in the context of the CE and organisational solutions.

However, the impact of construction on the environment is significant and most important. This is because it translates into human health and finances. The most comprehensive study in quantifying the environmental value of building reuse is presented by [15]. A comparative analysis of the life-cycle environmental impacts of reuse versus demolition and new construction was carried out using seven buildings (residential, school, offices, warehouse). It was found that a new building, which is 30% more efficient than an existing building, needs between 10 and 80 years to overcome the adverse effects of climate change associated with the construction process. Abandoning demolition and replacing only 1% of Portland (USA) buildings within ten years would achieve 15% of the county’s total CO₂ reduction targets. This study confirms the words of Carl Elefante [16] that ‘the greenest building is one that is already built’. Hu and Swierzawski [17] also indicate the level of avoided environmental impacts thanks to adaptive reuse, using a historic school building as an example. The results are as follows: 82% reduction in global warming, 51% smog formation, 27% acidification, and 21% eutrophication potential. The studies mentioned above were based on the LCA method, with [17] also including BIM—Building Information Modelling—in the methodology. Lai et al. [18] note that the CO₂ quantification study should consider the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technologies. Martinez [19] proposes Environmentally Extended Input–Output Analysis (EEIOA) for qualitative environmental impact assessment.

Foster [20] formulated circular economy strategies for the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings to reduce environmental impacts. These strategies suggest possible actions throughout the building’s lifecycle to protect the environment. In the context of this work, it is essential to focus on the adaptation of buildings (for natural resource conservation) and the redevelopment of abandoned and neglected historical sites. The research presented in the literature indicates a lack of knowledge and awareness among practitioners and decision-makers and a lack of widescale applications—clear economic cases supported by indicators (e.g., [21,22]). Additionally, researching the environmental impact of mining structures without historical value is challenging. The study by Smithson [23], who addressed the need to redevelop mining heritage and the possibility of continuing its use, is among the notable works in this field.

The sustainable use of raw materials obtained by mining methods to produce construction products is essential due to the exhaustibility of mineral deposits [10]. Adaptive reuse of historical objects is one of the critical solutions. It is estimated that the financial effects of implementing a circular model in the construction sector of the European Union, achievable by 2030, amount to over EUR one trillion compared to the current state. Furthermore, 29.7% of these benefits can be achieved through savings in using resources such as primary building materials, fossil fuels, land use, and non-renewable electricity [21].

However, there is a lack of studies to compare the costs of adapting post-mining buildings with the costs of demolition and constructing new, analogous buildings. While such comparisons can be found in the literature for residential buildings (e.g., [24]), mining buildings are not represented in such dedicated studies despite their specificity. Based on research results of other types of buildings, it can be assumed that renovation costs, if lower, are only slightly so. Still, the significant reduction (up to 76%) in negative environmental impact from adaptive reuse is noteworthy (e.g., [24]).

In conclusion, the CE in construction is an important topic due to the depletion of natural resources and environmental protection. Educated and informed investors, decision-makers and the public can play a significant role. For investors and decision-makers, investment and environmental costs are substantial (speaking in favour of CE solutions, including adaptive reuse). Society, on the other hand, is driven by emotional reasons. In light of these findings, the authors find conducting a comparative analysis of mining facilities reasonable. Mining facilities’ infrastructure is unique due to technical parameters, a strong connection with location, and equipment tailored to specific functions and technology. This would fill a gap in existing research, and the authors have undertaken such an attempt.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Characteristics of the Research Subject: Brzeszcze-East HCM and the Compressor and Fan Station

The research subject is the decommissioned Brzeszcze-East HCM, formerly a branch of Brzeszcze HCM, located in Poland, in the Małopolskie Voivodeship, Brzeszcze Municipality. Mining operations began in 1903, with the Brzeszcze-East HCM branch starting in 1918. The mine significantly contributed to transforming a rural settlement into the town of Brzeszcze. It invested in constructing educational, sports, recreational, commercial, healthcare, and cultural facilities. Generations of Brzeszcze residents worked at the mine. During World War II, prisoners from the Jawischowitz camp—Auschwitz’s largest sub-camp [25]—were also forced to work there. The residents of Brzeszcze risked their lives to help these prisoners. Numerous social organisations operated within the mine, and athletes from the mine-supported club achieved success at both national and international levels.

The Brzeszcze-East HCM branch of the Brzeszcze Hard Coal Mine was decommissioned in 1995 (the remaining parts of the mine, located in another part of town, continue to operate). Until 2016, the branch was used to transport materials to underground workings and was then transferred to Mine Restructuring Company JSC for liquidation.

The post-mining area (Brzeszcze-East Branch) covers an area of approx. 86 ha. Part of the post-mining area is free from development and constitutes a zone of planned entrepreneurship (there was a coal warehouse, railway tracks, and several buildings. All infrastructure has been demolished). The mining area also includes an extractive waste facility and a municipal waste storage site with a total area of 46 ha. Part of the area and some buildings were sold to private investors and redeveloped. At the time of closure in 1995, Brzeszcze-East HCM had 91 surface infrastructure buildings. By 2023, only 21 of these buildings survived, with two partially intact. Only two have survived despite five buildings listed in the Regional Heritage Register in 2011 as modernist industrial structures. It is an industrial heritage zone and covers an area of approximately 35 ha.

The revitalisation concept covered the entire post-mining area. However, the article focuses on the buildings that have not been demolished, mainly the compressor and fan stations, which are not listed buildings.

3.2. Methods

To achieve the specified objectives, the following research methods were applied:

• Research through design is material-based research, development work, and action research: practical laboratory experiments resulting in reports and step-by-step diaries clearly about what is being achieved and communicated through the design process [26]. In 2021, a comprehensive revitalisation concept for the post-mining area was designed [27]. This process included the following:

  a.

  Desk research: archival documents were analysed to understand the site’s history and determine geotechnical, hydrogeological, and planning conditions.

  b.

  Field surveys: These were conducted to inventory the infrastructure of the post-mining area (in 2008, 2011, 2020, and 2022). Existing buildings were inspected during these surveys, and photographic documentation was taken.

  c.

  Social research and discussion forums: conducted over ten years among residents, researchers, and local decision-makers.

  d.

  Design. The concept of adapting the mining complex into a circular economy hub was designed. The idea involves reusing buildings following the CE principle.

  e.

  Macroscopic inspection of the historical buildings selected for comparative analysis: these inspections assessed the technical condition and determined guidelines for construction work.

• Comparative analyses: Financial, social, and environmental impact. The analyses were used to compare two investment variants: (1) adaptation of historical buildings and (2) demolition and building of a similar new facility.

4. Results: Towards Circular Use of Post-Mining Facilities

4.1. From the Decision on Demolition to the Initial Assessment of Adaptation Possibilities

The commencement of work on analysing the potential use of the mining complex buildings coincided with decisions regarding their demolition. The authors of this article and local activists decided to influence the city authorities to prevent demolition and subsequently explore the possibilities of adapting the industrial heritage for the needs of the circular economy.

During the preparatory work, an analysis was conducted on ground deformations, water conditions, environmental pollution resulting from mining activities, and the legal status of the complex. Subsequently, an inventory of the surface structures was carried out (Figure 3) and preliminary guidelines for their adaptation were established. The buildings were characterised by analysing their historical, artistic, and utility values, and the condition of the building materials was assessed. The ownership structure analysis revealed that the ownership of the area with the buildings is mainly divided between Mine Restructuring Company JSC and the municipality, with Mine Restructuring Company JSC planning to liquidate the infrastructure and equipment.

It was concluded that the built-up areas of Brzeszcze-East HCM are geotechnically and hydrogeologically stable, and soil contamination occurs only in isolated spots, not posing significant constraints for further actions. The surface infrastructure was assessed to be significantly incomplete, and the preserved buildings exhibited varying historical, artistic, and technical values, yet retained the potential for adaptation (Figure 3) [28].

4.2. Social Research and Discussion Forums

Social research has been conducted in Brzeszcze for close to ten years. The goal was to investigate the residents’ opinions on the need to preserve the material traces of mining activities in the city. The first series of studies was conducted in 2013, using questionnaires typical for the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method to determine the weight of factors defining the heritage value of the industry. A total of 20 people participated in the study, representing local authorities, mine workers, students, and researchers familiar with the mining heritage of Brzeszcze. Using pairwise comparison, the respondents established the following hierarchy of factors: historical values (32.99%), technical condition and safety (32.08%), sentimental values (10.01%), economic and financial factors (10.45%), artistic values (9.93%), and utility (4.54%). At that time, 55.33% of the respondents supported the complete preservation of the infrastructure and its adaptation for new functions (only 6.43% were in favour of complete demolition). Based on this, it was determined that the analysed mining complex was essential for identity, even though the respondents rated the possibilities of adaptation as low.

The second series of studies was conducted in 2020 (survey performed by N. Kowalska). The research tool was an anonymous questionnaire containing open-ended, semi-open, closed-ended, and matrix questions. A total of 90 people participated in the survey, of whom 84% were native residents of Brzeszcze, 23% were employees of Brzeszcze HCM, and 85% indicated family connections with those employed at the mine. Despite the passage of time, degradation, and decommissioning of the abandoned Brzeszcze-East HCM complex, more than half of the respondents assessed that the existing Brzeszcze-East HCM infrastructure should be preserved as an essential part of the city’s history and identity. Seventy-eight percent of respondents could not imagine the town without material mining relics in the space. For many, it is a source of pride, a symbol of prosperity and greatness. Residents emphasised that multiple generations had worked in the mine and the strikes and protests against the facility’s closure.

In 2021 and 2022, personal and telephone interviews were conducted with local community representatives. Until 2021, the community had no vision of developing the Brzeszcze-East HCM area, and the site was inaccessible. In the same year, the concept of revitalising and integrating the post-mining area into the city was presented to community representatives (mayor and municipal council), creating a forum for discussion. Although the proposed usage of the buildings, presented in visual form, was not considered feasible for quick implementation—due to a lack of public funds for this purpose and the absence of interested investors—the concept allowed decision-makers to distance themselves from the demolition plans.

4.3. The Concept of Adapting the Mining Complex into a Circular Economy Hub

As initially planned, the conceptual design aimed at adapting historical buildings for activities related to conducting and promoting waste management industry projects [27]. A multifunctional complex was designed to achieve this goal, integrating residential areas and recreational and service facilities with those intended to serve the main economic functions after the transformation. The conceptual design included adapting historical buildings for waste management industry projects, creating public and recreational spaces, and constructing a new strategic facility—a centre for upcycling. The land was reserved for future investments, which should adhere to circular economy principles.

The surface infrastructure buildings in Brzeszcze-East HCM are relatively small. The concept proposed specific functions for each building. The headhouse of shaft Andrzej III (Figure 3e) would be adapted for exhibition purposes, dedicated to the mining history of Brzeszcze (including the work of prisoners in the mine), showcasing the mine’s infrastructure and the headframe, which lost its functional role once the underground part was filled in. The hoist house of shaft Andrzej III (Figure 3g) was to be turned into a restaurant and conference room, with non-functional winding machines serving as a backdrop. The switching station (Figure 3g) was to be transformed into a playroom, with the former technical equipment used as an adventure maze. The interior of the hoist house of shaft Andrzej IV (Figure 3i), with the headframe structure in the middle, could be arranged for recreational and sports climbing. The hoist house of shaft Andrzej IV (Figure 3j) was to become a store for upcycled products. The winding machine and crane inside would be preserved as exhibition elements, maintaining the site’s atmosphere. The compressor and fan building complex (Figure 3l) was to be adapted for educational and workshop functions in the field of circular economy. This building became the subject of detailed research described in the subsequent parts of this article.

4.4. Assessment of the Technical Condition of the Historic Compressor and Fan Station

The compressor and fan building has a volume of approximately 14,000 cubic meters. Monumental equipment elements with heritage characteristics limit its usable floor area. The analysed complex of rooms was used for air exchange in mining workings to ensure safe underground work. The ground floor’s usable area is approximately 1800 square meters, but only about 60% of this space can be adapted. The remaining area is occupied by equipment (Figure 4) that served technical functions until the shafts were decommissioned, such as ventilation chimneys (see

Table 1. Summary of basic information on the historic compressor and fan station building.

Technical Parameters *	Description *	Technical Condition **	Guidelines for Construction and Conservation Work **
Compressor and fan station with the following: workshop transformer station fan motor building Length: 49.60 m Width: 40.10 m Building area: 1,335.90 m2 Median height: 8.35 m Cubic capacity: 8,603 m3	The building is a single-story masonry building without a basement, and it is integrally connected to the compressor station building. The load-bearing system of the main hall consists of reinforced concrete frames. Inside the main hall are two ventilation chimneys, each with a diameter of 180 cm and wall thickness of 25 cm, along with compressors. These chimneys extend 3 m above the roof surface. The roof itself is covered with reinforced concrete slabs. Electrical devices and transformers are housed in the power station building. This building is divided into storage rooms and areas for equipment maintenance.	Structural layout—average. Roofing—unsatisfactory. Suspended ceiling—poor. Workshop—unsatisfactory. The identified issues include scratches on masonry, loss of bricks and corrosion damage to masonry, roofing damage and cracks, destruction of the suspended ceiling, dampness in ceilings and walls, chipping of the plaster and paint, and scratches and cracks on the floor.	Construction of new roofing. Drying the walls. Scuffing, replenishing, and repainting the chipped plaster. Removal of the suspended ceiling.
Compressor station Length: 44.50 m Width: 10.00 m Building area: 525.20 m2 Average height: 8.7 m Cubic capacity: 4,806 m3	The second building is a single-story, basement-equipped masonry structure divided into two sections. The first section is a hall connected to the compressor and fan building. The second section is a steel hall located 0.8 m lower than the first and also features a basement equipped with a steel gate on the southern wall. Social rooms for workers are situated between these two hall sections. The building is covered with reinforced concrete slabs and has a flat roof. There are two unloading ramps on the southern wall. There is a steel crane inside the building for transporting equipment and materials. Each hall within this building contains a compressor with an engine.	Central structural system—average. Roofing—unsatisfactory. The steel hall of the compressor building is good. Roofing of the steel hall—good.	Construction of new roofing. Drying out the walls. Scuffing, replenishing, and repainting the chipped plaster. Comprehensive renovation of the workshops.

Source: own study based on Mine Restructuring Company JSC *, Dybeł 2021 **.

). The compressor and fan station are not legally protected as a heritage site. It was an essential part of the technological process. Still, the liquidation of the underground part and the demolition of some surface buildings did not contribute to the integrity of this historic complex. Presenting the technological process based on the material remnants is impossible.

The technical parameters, conditions, and equipment in individual buildings in the compressor and fan station are presented in Table 1. The technical condition was determined based on macroscopic inspections of the historical building complex during a field survey (July 2021). The technical condition assessment was performed according to a scale based on the percentage of technical wear of the building: 0–10% wear indicates excellent, 11–25% indicates good, 26–50% indicates average, 51–60% indicates unsatisfactory, and 61–70% indicates poor conditions. The assessment helped determine the necessary construction and conservation work to secure the structure and ensure usability. Although the overall condition of the building left much to be desired, and the interior spaces were cluttered with non-functional equipment, the building has not been demolished.

4.5. The Concept of Adapting the Compressor and Fan Station

The compressor and fan station, crowded with numerous technical devices and structures (cracked, peeling, rusting, etc.), was conceptually transformed into an educational and workshop complex. The floor plan (Figure 5a) indicates the proposed functions of the facility but primarily focuses on the preferred spatial solutions. It is worth noting that, through discussions among the design team, it was suggested that all equipment remaining from the industrial activities be preserved; the new rooms and open functional spaces would be organised around them (Figure 5b).

The foundation of the adaptation concept for the compressor and fan station was to convince the project team (including the article’s authors) and local activists (from the Foundation of Memory Sites Near Auschwitz-Birkenau) that all elements of the building’s equipment should be preserved in place. The necessary functional spaces were integrated into the labyrinthine structure of the building. The goal was to demonstrate that maintaining everything would be feasible. Furthermore, functionally redundant equipment, supported by the scenography, would help preserve the atmosphere of the post-mining site and could serve a symbolic role in the waste management industry. This industry still faces the challenge of creating forms of representation. Additionally, there was a consistent effort to retain all traces of the mining heritage around the station—such as specific infrastructure objects like the fan cooler or the transformer station.

Initially, decision-makers and community representatives approached the presented proposal with scepticism. The picturesque scenography created by the remnants of equipment inside the buildings was presented to the city council through visualisations. The appeal was made to sentiments and the scenic nature of the ruins being reclaimed by nature. Examples of similar objects that function despite retaining “waste” that was initially intended to be removed (e.g., the Cable Factory in Helsinki) were also cited. As a result, the expectations regarding the interior qualities and the presented spatial solutions were met with understanding and enthusiasm. Despite this, concerns about the economic aspect of the project were raised.

4.6. Comparative Financial, Social, and Environmental Impact Analysis

Knowing that the economic argument for preserving buildings and their equipment as waste was decisive, developing the adaptation concept for the compressor and fan stations while retaining all the non-functional equipment can be considered rational and devoid of idealism. Buildings considered waste become a place where hopes for a new beginning, changes, and the acquisition of external financial resources are placed. As a result, obsolete buildings, filled with waste, ceased to be viewed by the community as a burden rather than a resource that can be transformed, utilised, and processed. In other words, they can be reconstructed, modernised, adapted, conserved, and even demolished—implementing potential circular economy projects (which are yet to be identified).

Having preserved the buildings from demolition and developed an adaptation concept that retained the structures and their entire equipment, a comparative cost analysis was undertaken between the demolition and new construction versus the adaptation of existing buildings using the compressor and fan stations as a model case. The conclusions from this analysis were intended to serve the decisions to be taken regarding similar structures in other locations.

The estimated financial analysis was based on detailed measurements of the work covering the entire scope of the planned investment by determining the prices of construction materials and the remuneration for labour and equipment. The cost estimate utilised the unit price catalogue of works and investment objects from Q1, 2024.

Consumption of products based on natural resources was estimated as follows:

• In the case of adaptation: based on the concept for the adaptation of the compressor and fan station;
• In the case of building anew: based on analysing individual material inputs.

The amount of construction and demolition waste was estimated as follows:

• In the case of adaptation: based on the adaptation concept for the compressor and fan station;
• In the case of demolition and building anew: based on the project to demolish the compressor and fan station.

The costs of waste disposal were calculated based on the announcement regarding the rates of environmental usage fees for the year 2024 [29]: precisely EUR 3.86 per Mg of waste with codes 17 01 01 and 17 01 02; EUR 5.52 per Mg of waste with code 17 01 07; and EUR 5.99 per Mg of waste with code 17 01 82. The total waste disposal costs excluded scrap steel, assuming its sale as raw material for the steelworks.

CO₂ emission data are given based on product demand (concrete, brick, steel) and CO₂ emission conversion factors. The production of 1 Mg of concrete generates 0.93 Mg of CO₂ emissions [30]. A 1 Mg of steel output generates 1.83 Mg of CO₂ [31] and 1 Mg of brick produces 0.48 Mg of CO₂ [32]. All costs were converted to Euros using the average exchange rate of the National Bank of Poland on 27 April 2024, which was EUR 1 = PLN 4.3225. The results are presented in

Table 2. Results of comparative financial, environmental, and social analyses of the adaptation of the compressor and fan station to an educational and workshop facility versus the demolition and construction of an analogous facility.

Itemisation	Adaptive Reuse	Demolition and Building Anew
	FINANCIAL
Projects, concepts, expertise	EUR 116,755	EUR 155,474
Demolition	n.a.	EUR 970,076
Waste storage	EUR 1377	EUR 34,205
Adaptation (protecting, renovating)	EUR 1,532,841	n.a.
Construction	n.a.	EUR 1,917,340
Furnishings	EUR 107,382	EUR 152,832
Total	EUR 1,758,355	EUR 3,229,827
Consumption of products based on natural resources:	ENVIRONMENTAL
Concrete	426 m3	2,211 m3
Reinforcing steel	36.45 Mg	235.25 Mg
Steel profiles	9.16 Mg	14 Mg
Steel plate	2350 kg	2350 kg
Brick	0 pieces	602,100 pieces
Waste generation:	418.76 Mg	7701.61 Mg
Brick rubble and stone (17 01 07)	-	1773.65 Mg
Brick rubble (17 01 02)	27.5 Mg	-
Concrete rubble (17 01 01)	200.12 Mg	5164.16 Mg
Bituminous covering (17 01 82)	77.34 Mg	347.79 Mg
Other waste (17 01 82)	5.8 Mg	398.7 Mg
Steel waste	-	17.3 Mg
CO2 emission (coming from the production of concrete, steel, and brick)	48% less
Energy consumption	up to 80% less *)
	SOCIAL
Cultural heritage
Health and safety **
Employment ***
Working conditions ***
Education ***
Demography ***
Implementation time for new functions ***	Two years	Three years
Town and region attractiveness ***

Source: own study, n.a.—not applicable, * data from the literature [24], ** information from the literature [11], *** authors’ estimation.

. A colour-coding system was also applied, indicating favourable (green) and unfavourable (red) situations, as not all the information is quantifiable.

4.7. Adapt or Demolish and Build Anew? Decision-Making Model

In protecting industrial heritage as monuments, specific criteria for valuing infrastructure determine their actual and current values, making them eligible for formal protection. These criteria include the authenticity of the historical substance, originality of form, historical significance, artistic and scientific importance, social impact, and utility, for instance, in terms of use for tourism. In the context of the circular economy, the protection of industrial heritage gains an additional dimension. Post-industrial buildings represent a significant resource base (conserving non-renewable natural resources). Adapting existing buildings has a significantly lower environmental impact than demolition and constructing new structures. The experiences gained from the work described in this article have led to the development of a universal decision-making model to support whether to demolish or adapt. The model is presented in Figure 6 and includes the main stages of the decision-making process:

I.

Problem Definition: optimal management of post-mining-area built infrastructure.

II.

Problem Analysis: Stage I: inventory and valorisation; Stage II: technical condition assessment, environmental impact assessment, and public opinion.

III.

Identification of Action Scenarios: heritage protection, adaptation, and demolition.

IV.

Selection of the Best Option: If the infrastructure possesses heritage characteristics, it should be subjected to conservation protection. If the infrastructure lacks heritage characteristics, it should undergo further analysis based on technical, environmental, and social factors.

Problem Definition. The issue requiring a decision is the optimal management of the infrastructure of the built post-mining area. “Optimal” primarily refers to the fundamental principles that should accompany all human activities, such as sustainable development, which is understood mainly in using natural resources, the circular economy, and adaptation to climate change.

Problem Analysis I. This involves an inventory, which results in a register of buildings in the post-mining area and a valorisation that examines their cultural values.

Identification of Action Scenarios I. The first stage of analysis will yield two scenarios. The first scenario is heritage protection for buildings with heritage characteristics, as mentioned at the beginning of this subsection. There may be many options for dealing with heritage infrastructure; however, this is not the article’s subject. The second scenario involves further analysis if the buildings do not exhibit heritage characteristics. These buildings are then subjected to further analysis based on their utility features.

Problem Analysis II. This involves evaluating the utility characteristics of the buildings, which is understood as the potential for adapting the buildings for new functions such as service, production, residential, etc. In this context, the most critical factor is assessing the technical condition, which determines the feasibility of adaptation. Environmental considerations are also necessary, including conserving natural resources, reducing waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption. Additionally, the opinions of residents and former employees who are emotionally connected to their former workplaces should not be overlooked.

Identification of Action Scenarios II. This results in two further courses of action: adaptation or demolition. Demolition should be the last resort, primarily due to poor technical conditions. A good technical condition should be sufficient grounds for adaptation. As the analyses show, environmental benefits always occur.

Choosing the adaptation scenario generates further actions to determine the optimal functions for the building or group of buildings in the post-mining area. This falls within the scope of revitalisation design, which, due to its complexity, is covered by a separate methodology. In the context of the issues discussed in this work, we will focus only on two factors determining new functions: functional capacity assessment and financial analysis.

Functional capacity assessment evaluates a building’s or space’s potential to accommodate different functions or activities. This assessment considers various factors to determine how effectively a building can be adapted or utilised for new purposes. The key aspects typically involved in such an assessment are spatial layout, structural integrity, accessibility, infrastructure and services, regulatory compliance, flexibility and adaptability, environmental impact and historical value. Functional capacity assessment introduces new functions into the building without losing its identity (i.e., typology, atmosphere, cultural expression, aesthetic experiences, etc.). By conducting a functional capacity assessment, architects and planners can make informed decisions about repurposing or adapting existing structures to meet new demands, ensuring that the building is used efficiently and effectively. This process is crucial for successful adaptive reuse projects, where the goal is to extend the life and utility of existing buildings sustainably.

A financial analysis will indicate the profitability of the investment, which is particularly important for private investors and serves as the basis for decision-making. In this context, a set of tools offered by public entities, such as financial, administrative, and formal-legal instruments, can be significant. These tools can support adaptive reuse, especially when it is on the borderline of profitability.

5. Discussion: Scalability of Waste Utilization and Reduction of Natural Resource Consumption

A comparative financial, environmental, and social analysis of adapting the compressor and fan station into an educational and workshop facility versus its demolition and construction of an analogous facility demonstrated a clear advantage for adaptation in all examined aspects. Considering the varied technical conditions of different building parts, ranging from good, average, and unsatisfactory to poor, adaptation costs are 46% lower than building a new, analogous facility. The assumption was made to construct a new facility on the site of the existing one; hence, the construction costs included demolition.

The environmental benefits of adapting post-mining buildings are significant, particularly in waste reduction—construction and demolition waste is 95% lower in the case of adaptation. This reduction is substantial as construction and demolition waste ranks first among all waste streams in the EU. Adaptation also results in significant savings in terms of natural resources, which is critically important given the increasingly publicised issues with replenishing these resources. Concrete usage is reduced by 81%, reinforcing steel by 85%, and bricks by 100%. This translates to a 48% reduction in CO₂ emissions, considering only the emissions related to the production of construction materials—concrete, steel, and bricks. For a complete environmental analysis, CO₂ emissions should be calculated for the production of many other products, transport, or the operation of machines and devices. Water consumption, noise, and dust have not been considered in this study either. The results presented by [22] for Lisbon residential buildings also favoured financial and environmental adaptation.

From an environmental perspective, the impact of these benefits should be considered on a larger scale—across post-mining areas in cities, regions, countries, etc.,—to understand their influence on climate change and the necessity to conserve natural mineral resources. For instance, there are 21 preserved buildings on the defunct Brzeszcze-East HCM site (some shown in Figure 3); additionally, the city still has an operational coal mine branch with several dozen additional buildings.

Specific data on the reduced environmental impact of reusing post-mining buildings encourage viewing this resource in the context of heritage protection (historical and artistic values) and, perhaps more importantly, in the context of the circular economy—conservation and reuse. Given the increasing environmental pressures, this is of immense importance, highlighted by the introductory data on the negative impact of construction on natural resource consumption and climate.

The comparative analysis considered cultural heritage and, based on social analyses presented in Section 4.2, indicated a strong desire to preserve the mining heritage—78% of respondents could not imagine the city without tangible mining relics in its urban space. The impact of the scenarios considered in the article on the residents’ health and safety has not been determined, but studies in the literature clearly state that adaptation is “healthier” [11]. Adaptation is also favoured due to the shorter time required to realise new functions, resulting from streamlined procedures and fewer construction activities. The new functions are intended to be educational, mainly in the CE. Therefore, we believe that locating such tasks in an obsoleted mining building will increase the message about the importance of circulating raw materials in the environment.

Both the city’s and region’s attractiveness were rated equally. Adapting historic industrial buildings can significantly enhance the area’s appeal while preserving the location’s identity (e.g., C-Mine in Belgium). There are also examples of industrial buildings being demolished and cities being revitalised with modern architecture, such as in Bilbao, Spain. The new functions of the historic building and the newly constructed one had the same impact on employment, working conditions, and demographics; this is because it was assumed that the functions in both cases would be analogous.

The presented costs may vary depending on the specificity and technical condition of the post-mining buildings; however, compared with the significant environmental benefits, they provide an essential rationale for adapting post-mining structures.

The described financial, environmental, and social analyses were based on a specific built-up post-mining site. The results indicate that at the decommissioning stage of any industrial site, it is worth thinking about infrastructure in the context of heritage preservation and the circular economy. The pathway shown in this article was unified as a decision model. One of the paths in the decision model is the adaptation of historic buildings if the technical condition allows it; demolition should be a last resort.

Given the vast environmental pressures and impacts we are experiencing and the costs of adaptation, which are on the verge of being financially viable, it is worth using formal, legal, administrative, or financial tools to encourage decisions in favour of adaptation.

6. Conclusions

Opportunities for adapting existing buildings to revitalise the post-mining area, particularly the fan and compressor station, were identified. Financial and environmental analyses were based on compressor and fan station, and social analysis was based on the entire post-mining site. Adaptation is the most preferred (due to economic and environmental aspects, partly social) or is equal to building a new one (due to some social aspects). The hypothesis about the environmental benefits of adaptation versus building a new facility was confirmed.

Based on the authors’ own experience, a universal decision-making model was developed. The model can be use to make the optimal decision (following the principles of a CE) on how to proceed with the infrastructure of a mining area. It was assumed that a good technical condition should be a sufficient basis for adaptation, even if the necessary costs to be incurred are on the verge of being economically viable. After all, environmental benefits are always present and should be prioritised. Investors should be offered tools (financial, administrative, and formal–legal) to encourage adaptation.

When answering the question: should we adapt or demolish and build something new? adaptation should be considered first. The results of previous research on comparative analyses presented in this article, which are in favour of adaptation, were also confirmed in the case of post-mining buildings.

Mining buildings represent a significant resource for repurposing for new functions, which is particularly important given their increased availability during the energy transition period. Due to their original functions, post-mining facilities are specific and challenging to adapt; however, the effort put into adaptation can be spectacular in terms of the environment and aesthetics. Although the objectives of the research presented in the article have been achieved, further research is advisable.