Use of AI in the Design of Mining Sites Reclamation. A Case Study for Jiu Valley, Romania

The Jiu Valley bears the marks of mining, an industry that has shaped the destiny of the region for over a century and a half. The exploitation of coal deposits experienced a significant expansion in the 20th century, transforming the Jiu Valley into a vibrant industrial center. Generations of people have been linked to this industry, building their lives and identities around this mining area. However, after a period of glory, the mining industry in the Jiu Valley entered a decline determined by a series of interconnected factors, such as resource depletion, decreased demand, lack of investment, and strict European regulations, ultimately leading to the gradual closure of the mines (the last mines being scheduled for closure in 2032). In this context, the sustainable development and just transition of the region are important concepts, of present interest. In the Jiu Valley, the just transition aims to diversify the economy and create new employment opportunities in sustainable sectors, thus reducing the negative impact on communities dependent on mining, while improving environmental quality. The purpose of this paper is to analyze and provide optimal solutions for the ecological rehabilitation of land affected by mining in the Livezeni mining perimeter and support the transition to a sustainable economic model. Achieving the proposed objectives involved the use of a current tool for rehabilitation design, namely the ChatGPT software Version 4.0/2024, based on artificial intelligence (AI).