Enhancing Territorial Resilience and Quality of Life in Post-Mining Regions: The Jiu Valley Experience

European mining regions are undergoing profound structural transformations driven by industrial decline, demographic change, and the energy transition. The Jiu Valley represents a relevant example of a post-mining region where the effects of mine closures after 1990 continue to shape demographic dynamics, the built environment, and quality of life. Massive job losses have led to sustained out-migration, particularly among young and working-age populations, along with declining birth rates and an intensified process of demographic ageing. This study analyses the relationship between population decline and housing stock degradation, using visual field observation and the interpretation of demographic indicators. The findings reveal a vicious cycle in which depopulation and residential degradation mutually reinforce each other, negatively affecting territorial attractiveness and quality of life. Nevertheless, natural landscapes and cultural heritage provide opportunities for revitalisation, while integrated interventions focused on urban regeneration, economic diversification, and the strengthening of community services can support the transition toward a more resilient post-mining future.