Table of Contents
What is reclamation in mining and why is it important?
Reclamation is the combined process by which adverse environmental effects of surface mining are minimized and mined lands are returned to a beneficial end use. Some components of reclamation include practices that control erosion and sedimentation, stablize slopes, and avoid and repair impacts to wildlife habitat.
Why is reclamation of the mined area important?
The mineral extraction and reclamation process must ensure return of sustainable ecosystem to former degraded land. The revegetation of mine spoil by tree cover stabilizes an ecosystem for the long term via their ameliorative effects on soil quality improving both potential commercial and aesthetic values.
How does reclamation protect the environment around a mine?
The goal of reclamation is to conserve and enhance biodiversity, protect the environment, and turn lands where mining has occurred over to new and productive uses. This work can include establishing healthy wildlife areas and wetlands, or preparing for future economic or recreational uses.
What is an example of a land reclamation method?
Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. The simplest method of land reclamation involves simply filling the area with large amounts of heavy rock and/or cement, then filling with clay and soil until the desired height is reached. Artificial islands are an example of land reclamation.
How would a mining company restore the land?
After the coal is stripped, mine companies are legally required to do some restoration, which usually involves replacing the exploded soil and rock—rubble—covering it with a layer of topsoil, and seeding it with anything that will hold the ground together.
How the land can be restored after open pit mining?
Soil reconstruction technology is an important foundation for afforestation in open-pit mining areas. Vegetation reconstruction technology is an important means to restore the original state of the open-pit mining area. The vegetation on the top platform of the dumping site is mainly a combination of trees and bushes.
How does a mining company restore the land?
What are the advantages of Reclamation?
By restoring the land, you re-allow the land to thrive and remain conducive to fertile soil and other areas of growth. This restores the balance in the land and the ecosystem as a whole.
How do you restore a mined land?
Reclamation includes the following steps: contouring of land; placement of topsoil or an approved substitute on the graded area; reseeding with native vegetation, crops and/or trees; and years of careful monitoring to assure success.
How do you restore a mine?
How do you rehabilitate land?
5 Steps to Rehabilitation Success!
- Understand your local environment and constraints. Are your soils dispersive, saline, acidic or low in nutrients?
- Select the appropriate plant species.
- Do the correct groundwork.
- Install your soil improver, erosion control, seeds and plants properly.
- Inspect and maintain.