State of the Art of mine restoration techniques: document available - LIFE Tecmine

Mining is a strategic sector for Europe and Spain. The Opinion of the European Economic and Social Council on non-energy mining in Europe (2009/C 27/19) indicates that 70% of European industry is dependent on mineral substances. Therefore, the development of an industrial policy that guarantees the supply of these substances is essential.

The strategic mining of the 21st century will be possible if it is technically, economically, socially and environmentally viable. During the last 30 years, environmental policies and mining regulations have been developed at EU and national level. These regulations offer administrations additional instruments for the application of principles - precautionary, prevention, correction and compensation - that have helped the development of sustainable mining operations.

The EU also ensures that mining, mining waste and human rights are managed properly by a combination of environmental, health and safety and human rights law.

Surface mining operations often take place in forest areas of high landscape and ecological value, severely modifying them. The environmental effects of mining are drastic: the result is a deep alteration of the landscape and almost the total destruction of the affected ecosystems.

The restoration of these areas is regulated by national and regional legislations. However, the technical and environmental requirements are poorly defined. Too often, the pressure from local authorities to obtain short-term visible results leads to the application of fast revegetation treatments to reduce visual impact. However, these measures may condition the future evolution of the restoration, directing it towards to ecosystems other than those desired. (Chambers et al. 1994; Holl 2002; Jorba et al. 2002).

The International Ecological Restoration Association defines ecological restoration as the process of assuring the restoration of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed. In the case of quarries, ecosystems need to be completely recreated and reintegrated into the landscape.

Despite the development of mining restoration techniques and material and cost-effective efforts of the companies, restoration failures are very common.

This document approaches renaturation and landscape reintegration techniques from three points of view: hydro-geomorphology, vegetation restoration and soil quality.

A summary of existing guidelines on mine restoration is presented. They can be a referent in the design of future extractive activities.

Mining activities leave a considerable sign of its activity in the territory. However, its restoration and enhancement may contribute to local economic development through construction of museums or parks. Several examples are shown.

New technologies and knowledge are available and may contribute to ensure the return of long-term environmental resources disrupted by mining operations.