Using the life-satisfaction approach to quantify the complex inter-related impacts of coal mining on host communities: A case study in Shanxi, China

Abstract Focusing on host communities, we assess the multiple (positive and negative) impacts of coal mining on the wellbeing of more than 500 residents in Shanxi (the most important coal producing province in China). We use the ‘life satisfaction’ approach to analyse and measure the multiple impacts of coal mining on wellbeing and to assess their net impact on life satisfaction. We find that proximity to coal mines has (a) a positive impact on satisfaction with living conditions; (b) a negative impact on satisfaction with the natural environment, the economy, institutional capital and individual/family capital; and (c) a negative impact on satisfaction with life overall. We use insights from this analysis to suggest ways to address the negative impacts of coal mining and to improve local wellbeing. Our analysis offers a new tool for mining impact assessment – which could also be used to assess the impact of other activities/projects.