A systematic review of coal mining impact on riparian biodiversity and ecological recovery amidst climate change

Abstract

Coal mining imposes severe ecological stress on both aquatic and terrestrial components of riparian ecosystems, which serve as biodiversity refugia, hydrological regulators, and natural buffers against landscape-scale disturbances. Despite increasing global concern over mining-driven biodiversity loss, riparian zones remain underrepresented in restoration planning and environmental policy frameworks. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from 50 peer-reviewed studies identified through a PRISMA-guided screening process and a PICO-based search strategy. A Python-generated heatmap analysis revealed strong geographic and thematic biases: North America and Europe exhibited higher impact scores and greater research confidence, whereas Africa and South America were comparatively underrepresented. Across regions, hydrological disruption, sedimentation, landscape fragmentation, and chemical contamination emerged as dominant stressors. Climate-related impacts were most pronounced in North America, while mining-related pressures were strongest in Europe. The review addresses key questions on degradation mechanisms, biodiversity responses, restoration pathways, and governance interventions. Overall, the findings highlight critical knowledge gaps particularly the limited attention to riparian landscapes in mining research and underscore the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches that prioritize nature-based solutions, community participation, and evidence-based policy aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.