Mine Reclamation
An eight year old reclaimed site on a large-scale gold mine in the western region of Ghana.
© Fredrick Addai
Minerals serve as essential raw materials for various industries, including medicine, cosmetics, automobiles, and glass, and provide the foundation for developing modern technologies. However, the extraction of minerals through mining can have profound and often detrimental effects on both the environment and society.
Environmental impacts include deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, depletion of soil carbon reserves/soil fertility, and water pollution (Timsina et al. 2022). Socially, mining can lead to the displacement of communities, conflicts, and health threats to citizens (Azapagic 2004).
Mine reclamation seeks to reverse some of these environmental changes by returning post-mining land to stable and productive landforms that benefit local communities economically (Parrota and Knowles 2001). The following resources highlight mine reclamation strategies employed in various mineral mines in the Global South and their associated environmental and economic impacts.
In the book “Reclamation of Mine-Impacted Land for Ecosystem Recovery,” published by Wiley in 2016, the authors showcase the ecological threats posed by mining different minerals in India, Australia, the United States, and South Africa. The authors refer to revegetation as a significant step in ecosystem restoration and emphasize the importance of key soil properties, including pH, organic matter content, and nutrient availability, in ensuring successful revegetation.
Timsina et al. (2022) reviewed 42 published field studies on gold mine reclamation in tropical regions. The paper details the different scales of mining gold (i.e., large-scale gold mining and artisanal small-scale gold mining), the environmental impacts associated with their operations, and the social implications of the different forms of mining. Then, synthesizing the findings, the authors provide a step-by-step guide that details site preparation, natural regeneration, and planting approaches for restoration.
Woodbury et al. (2019) studied forest succession under leguminous plantations on post-coal-mined landscapes in Indonesia. The paper details the significance of legumes in mine reclamation concerning revegetation and soil processes. The authors recommend site-specific reclamation methods and techniques to improve soil processes and revegetation in tropical regions.
Parrota and Knowles (2001) present a detailed assessment of a forest restoration program developed in the early 1980s by a Brazilian bauxite company. The restoration strategy initiated in the Trombetas, located in the Saracá-Taquera National Forest on an upland mesa in central Amazonia, was based on systematic nursery and field research. The paper discusses the importance of adequate site preparation and native species in mine reclamation projects. The authors believe that a thorough knowledge of native species is needed to select species for revegetation properly. Findings from the study conclude that diversity in native species selection plays a key role in successful forest establishment in mining landscapes during the first 9 to 13 years.
In the paper “Reclamation at the Ranger Uranium Mine, Australia,” Oslund (1999) comprehensively details uranium mining in Northern Australia. The paper explains the importance of uranium mining to the economy of Australia and the impacts of that mining on the Aboriginal people who have inhabited the area for 23,000 years. According to the author, reclamation in the region attempts to achieve the conditions set by the mining company and the Aboriginal landowners, emphasizing that mine reclamation not only restores the integrity of the landscape, but also provides revenue for the Aboriginal (local) landowners through the millions of dollars spent by the mining company.
Basu and Mishra (2025) evaluate the impacts of mining on local communities in the Korba district in India, focusing on reclamation practices and stakeholder perspectives. The paper uses a mixed-method approach, including qualitative interviews and surveys, to gather comprehensive data from various stakeholders. The key outcomes of the study indicate that community involvement and positive perceptions of reclamation efforts significantly influence community support and satisfaction levels. Additionally, effective stakeholder engagement and tailored communication strategies are crucial in addressing diverse community needs and enhancing reclamation outcomes.
As articulated in these articles, mine reclamation can be a promising tool for restoring ecosystems and mitigating environmental damage resulting from the pursuit of wealth and technological advancements in mining activities. It can also play a significant socio-economic role by providing revenue and cultural satisfaction for local communities.