Mine reclamation

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in 2006

in 2008

A surface coal mine in Britain before and during the reclamation process

Mine reclamation is the process of modifying land that has been mined to restore it to an ecologically functional or economically usable state. Although the process of mine reclamation occurs once mining is complete, the planning of mine reclamation activities may occur prior to a mine being permitted or started.^[1] Mine reclamation creates useful landscapes that meet a variety of goals, ranging from the restoration of productive ecosystems to the creation of industrial and municipal resources. In the United States, mine reclamation is a regular part of modern mining practices.^[2] Modern mine reclamation reduces the environmental effects of mining.

Many abandoned mine sites have no reclamation works undertaken. The majority of mines throughout history have no stringent regulations applied.^[3] As a practice, mine reclamation began at the start of the 20th century. Returning the landscape to its original state is not possible in all cases. In most cases the physical and chemical stabilization of mine waste is the limit of mine remediation.^[3]