Reclamation and management of disturbed surface mining areas for agricultural purpose with emphasis on concurrent reclamation

Abstract

The extraction of natural resources has significant influence on the surrounding landscape and environment. Consequently in modern surface mines, reclamation is considered an important part of mining activities and is given as much importance as the extraction itself. The goals of reclamation are also integrated in the overall operational concept of surface mining. This paper discusses in detail the operations carried out to reclaim and manage the disturbed surface mine lands for agricultural purpose. Reclamation operations carried out in lignite mines in Germany for restoration of disturbed surface mining areas for agricultural purpose are also described.