<![CDATA[This study addresses the persistent environmental challenges associated with coal mining in tropical and subtropical regions, where complex microclimates and ecological variability hinder effective reclamation. Despite the increasing global coal demand, comparative cross-country insights remain limited. This research fills the gap by evaluating the best practices. This study employs a qualitative methodology with a comparative case study design, uses systematic literature review to evaluate ecology based reclamation policies and implementation practices. Data were sourced from peer-reviewed journals from Scopus and the Web of Science database and institutional reports, and analyzed using McHarg’s landscape ecology theory to evaluate reclamation policies, ecological challenges, and implementation practices. The results reveal that while all four tropical coal-producing countries possess clear regulatory frameworks for reclamation, their effectiveness varies due to ecological, climatic, and enforcement disparities. Australia demonstrates the most successful model, integrating strict policies with advanced technology and sustainable financing. Conversely, Colombia, Indonesia, and South Africa face challenges in enforcement and consistency. Thematic analysis from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), shows that research is dominated by ecological and biodiversity aspects (44 articles), followed by reclamation technologies (22), economic-social factors (8), and regulatory studies (3). Aligning with McHarg’s landscape ecology theory, the study finds that successful reclamation hinges on site-specific ecological strategies, that are responsive to microclimates and landscape typologies. Technologies such as overburden non-acid forming (OB-NAF) encapsulation and electrodialysis reflect the ecosystem-based approach. However, future research must include empirical validation and community participation to strengthen long-term reclamation success and ecological resilience.]]>
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