Coal mine closure substantially increases terrestrial water storage in China

Abstract

Abstract The transition away from coal involves the widespread closure of coal mines. While the potential adverse consequences of these closures on industry and the local economy have received considerable attention, empirical evidence on the benefits of water resources remains limited. Here, we quantify the effect of coal mine closure on terrestrial water storage (TWS) in China using satellite data and a staggered difference-in-differences approach. Our findings indicate a rapid restoration in TWS following closure, with coal mine closures increasing TWS by an average of 18.8 ± 8.9 mm per year. This increase in TWS is primarily attributable to augmented groundwater storage and reduced industrial water usage. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that these TWS gains exceed the indirect impacts of climate change mitigation efforts on water resources, potentially complementing such strategies in water-stressed regions. Overall, our study underscores the positive environmental impact of coal mine closures on water availability in China, potentially facilitating the transition away from coal production and enhancing the sustainability of the energy transition.