A G R I C U L T U R E

Mine Lands: A New Beginning

AUTHOR:Chilombo(Olga)Priscila EconomicResearcher/Statistician@ RDJ Consulting

Courtesy:https://wwwlinkedincom/pulse/land-rehabilitation-ina-king-potgieter-/

A combination of Artificial Intelligence viewpoint (ChatGPT) and humans……

So, the mine has come to its end of life, now what?

Closure of mines often result in severe environmental and economic disruptions for surrounding communities The 2002 report from the Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, produced by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), underscores the extensive environmental damage associated with openpit mining, including landscape alteration, soil contamination, and the abandonment of infrastructure.

Mining companies have a critical responsibility to plan for mine rehabilitation and restoration, ensuring that mining sites are returned to a stable and productive state after the extraction activities conclude Proper planning and implementation of mine rehabilitation not only minimize environmental impacts but also support the long-term sustainability of the surrounding ecosystems and communities

Mine rehabilitation should not be an afterthought but an integral part of the mine planning process

Integrated mine closure planning involves developing a detailed closure plan early in the project lifecycle. This plan should outline the steps and actions needed to restore the site, including landform design, soil management, revegetation, water management, and monitoring protocols It should also consider the socio-economic impacts on local communities and outline strategies for their involvement and benefit.

Extensive research has explored the potential for converting former mining lands into productive agricultural areas This transformation not only offers new agricultural opportunities for local communities but also contributes to significant environmental restoration for the affected areas To achieve successful reclamation, it is essential to plan for post-mining land use prior to the commencement of mining operations. This involves conducting thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to identify potential risks and to develop strategies for land reclamation

Rehabilitation efforts should prioritize the use of native plant species and the enhancement of local biodiversity The process of mine land reclamation therefore begins with inspection and planning, examining indicators, soil types, climatic conditions, and fauna and flora to determine the most effective reclamation strategy Native species are better adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them more likely to establish and thrive Including a diversity of species in rehabilitation plans can create more resilient ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and support broader ecological functions.

Mining activities can significantly alter local hydrology and water quality, so restoration plans must address these issues Next is the revegetation stage consisting of replanting local vegetation or crops to restore the ecosystem. Planting fruit trees is highly recommended due to its ability to attract birds or bats needed for seed dispersal And lastly is the use of microorganisms, such as fungi to aid in soil mineral formation and organic matter decomposition

While ongoing research continues to explore new reclamation techniques, several effective methods have already been implemented globally. These successful practices can serve as valuable models for future mining activities, particularly in developing countries with significant mining potential and rural economies in need of revitalization

Case Studies

Coal Mines in Mpumalanga Province 1

The Mpumalanga province, central to South Africa's power generation, supplies over 80% of the country's coal, making mining a key economic driver for local communities As South Africa transitions away from coal, a pilot program explored using remediated mine land and water for sustainable livelihoods. Winter wheat, targeted for its potential use by Kellogg's, showed promising results Project director John Cook noted the "astonishing" success of growing wheat with untreated mine water Despite these positive outcomes, the project report highlights the need for further testing to validate this method across other mine sites.

2. The Lavender Farms of Appalachian Botanical Company (ABCO)

In Ashford, West Virginia, the ABCO has transformed retired coal mine sections into lavender farms For former coal miners, the shift to lavender cultivation is remarkable. ABCO’s mission is to restore mining land and grow lavender, a resilient plant that thrives in poor soils and mitigates toxic heavy metals. This initiative symbolizes ecological restoration and new agricultural opportunities amid the Appalachian Mountains

Furthermore, with over 1,500 redundant coal mines in the UK, and over 12,000 abandoned coal mines, 0.6 million m³ of tunnels, and about one billion m³ of civil air defense tunnels in China, the World Economic Forum reports that academics are exploring the use of abandoned mines and other subterranean facilities as alternatives to traditional agricultural land

Effective Methods For Reclamation

Piling System or Topsoil Management

This method involves adding material such as soil, sand, or stone over the area to be reclaimed Removing and storing topsoil before mining activities begin, to be

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reapplied during rehabilitation, is fundamental. The aim is to increase the land's height for activities like agriculture or plantations while stabilizing the soil to reduce erosion risk This process is followed by adding organic matter, lime, or fertilizers to improve topsoil quality and promote plant growth

Polder System or Hydrological Management

Polder systems focus on effective water resource management, essential for restoring natural hydrological cycles. Small walls or dams are built to capture and store runoff, allowing sediment to settle and reducing downstream erosion This system is especially effective in areas prone to flooding or needing water quality control It also helps restore aquatic ecosystems and improve water quality.

Erosion Control Measures

Erosion control measures are essential to prevent soil loss and maintain land stability Methods include terracing (creating stepped levels on slopes to reduce runoff velocity and soil erosion), contour plowing (plowing along the land's contour lines to slow water flow and reduce soil erosion), and vegetative cover (planting grass, shrubs, or cover crops to protect soil from erosion and improve soil structure).

Sustainable Farming Practices

This method involves crop rotation (rotating different crops in the same field to improve soil structure, reduce pest and disease cycles, and enhance nutrient cycling), conservation tillage (minimizing soil disturbance to preserve soil structure, improve water retention, and reduce erosion), and organic farming (avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, using natural inputs, and enhancing soil fertility through composting and green manuring)

Additional Techniques and Considerations

Other fundamental techniques for effective mine land reclamation include engaging local communities and former mineworkers; equipping them with skills needed for successful agricultural activities after mine closure; continuous monitoring and adaptive management to ensure the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts; removing or neutralizing soil contaminants to restore its health and productivity; and practicing deforestation and afforestationinformerminedlands

These activities can be expensive if no funding mechanisms are put in place upfront Policies and regulations that mandate land reclamation and create funds dedicated to environmental restoration and agricultural development are crucial. For example, in South Africa, mining companies are required by law to rehabilitate land after open cast mining. However, these lawsrequirerigidenforcement.

NextSteps

Mine closure and reclamation should be conducted progressively and planned from the early stages of a mining project to maximize beneficial outcomes following closure. Although mining is an economic booster, its negative ecological impacts are of great concern. In fact, ongoing research indicates promising results from these reclamation techniques, offering a path to sustained economic activity and environmental health Henceforth, reclamation and restoration of derelict mine sites are now extremely necessary for restoring ecological integrity basedonsoundecologicalprinciples

Theconversationcontinues esa@rdjpublishing.africa

Readings:

https://www sucofindo co id/en/articles/what-is-the-reclamationprocess-in-mining-areas/ https://www miningweekly com/article/is-it-possible-to-convertold-coal-mines-into-successful-farms-2022-06-24 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/12/abandoned-minescould-become-the-farms-of-the-future/