Review of Digital Solutions for Soil Contamination Management by Mining Activities

Soil recovery from contamination presents significant economic challenges, particularly in the context of mining activities that generate soil-affecting waste, thereby diminishing ecosystem services. This chapter explores the use of digital solutions to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of soil remediation measures applied in the mining activities. It highlights the diversity of available remediation strategies, underlining the need for tailored solutions in various environmental settings. While the scientific community has developed numerous models and tools, their implementation often lacks co-design with end users or remains confined to specific local contexts. To address these limitations, we discuss the potential of earth observation techniques and the Internet of Things (IoT) in harmonizing and standardizing information from various sources. This harmonization paves the way for more integrative tools applicable on a broader scale. In addition, a review of current applications of digital tools for the selection of remediation measures has been carried out. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of collective involvement in aligning political initiatives with digital solutions for soil recovery. By engaging key stakeholders, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach. The chapter concludes by showcasing examples of a digital solution co-developed with end users as TECNOSOIL where try to cover all needs and demands from the sector by integrating different tools (AI, GIS and satellites) and the calibration of existing models (AI) to design resilient remediation strategies for the remediation of soils polluted by mining activities. Finally the influence of digital tools on policy development and the future trends are highlighted.