The Effects of Surface Lignite Mines Closure on the Particulates Concentrations in the Vicinity of Large-Scale Extraction Activities

The European green deal and energy transition policies the competition primarily shaped by high price of carbon dioxide emission allowances consistently reduced cost renewable technologies directly affect coal lignite extraction industry. Lignite production in Western Macedonia Centre from 43.2 million tons 2010 to 10.3 2020. This development affects ambient air quality large mine area, as evidenced records 10 monitoring stations incorporating laser light scattering method. All measure particulate matter (PM10 PM2.5) concentrations compared period before 2010, while number annual exceedances limit value for daily average PM10 has been decreased. Moreover, differences measurements related their distance mining activities now tend be minimized. Based on these facts, it can predicted that, after closure electricity generation activities, concentration particulates atmosphere will reach typical levels rural areas Southern Europe, no what mines’ land reforestation repurposing program include.