A framework for assessing hazards related to pit lakes: application on European case studiesA framework for assessing hazards related to pit lakes: application on European case studies Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2025-05-022023enThe number of abandoned mines is continuously increasing in the world. The sustainable exploitation of these abandoned mines is a top priority globally. Pit lakes created in abandoned mining sites provide benefits and present risks for the mining region. This paper presents a methodology to assess the mining and natural hazards related to pit lakes. The proposed methodology framework is based on well-established and internationally accepted risk management standards and allows the assessment of the long-term stability of pit lakes. Potential ground movements, water pollution, fire hazards are presented, and their impact evaluated based on feedback and international experience. The methodology was applied for 13 European pit lakes created in former European coal and lignite mines. A risk assessment of the Most lake was carried out, using qualitative and a weighted probabilistic approach that considers the overall and the individual effect of identified mining and natural hazards. Results showed that the main potential hazards are the ground movements, slope stability, and flooding.This work was funded by the European Commission through the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS).http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Environmental Earth Sciences8214Al Heib_et_al_Environ. Earth Sci._82(14)_2023.pdfChania [Greece]Library of TUC2025-05-02application/pdf3.8 MBfree Al Heib M. Varouchakis Emmanouil Βαρουχακης Εμμανουηλ Galetakis Michail Γαλετακης Μιχαηλ Renaud V. Burda J. Springer Risk Methodology Open-pit lake Qualitative Probabilistic