Mining in the Amazon: Importance, impacts, and challenges to restore degraded ecosystems. Are we on the right way?

Background:

With mining playing a significant role in the economies of Amazonian countries, there is a growing urgency to understand, mitigate, and restore the degraded ecosystems that result from these mining operations. These tasks present a complex set of challenges, including technological limitations, legal inconsistencies, and a shortage of qualified professionals.

Goals:

The authors aim to investigate the environmental impacts, economic importance, and restoration methods after mining activities in the Amazon, emphasizing the barriers to ecosystem restoration and potential solutions. In addition, the authors will propose environmentally and socially promising suggestions for restoring degraded ecosystems after mining in the Amazon, with a focus on innovative and cost-effective methods. Doing so, this review seeks to address critical gaps in knowledge and practice, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of mining and restoration efforts in the Amazon region.

Takeaway:

The paper emphasizes the complexities and challenges involved in restoring these degraded areas following industrial mining activities, highlighting barriers such as operational restrictions, technical limitations, legal constraints, and the shortage of qualified labor. Furthermore, the article offers valuable insights into potential solutions and innovative approaches for successful ecosystem restoration, including the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), proper topsoil management, and the cost-benefit analysis of organic residue usage.