Introduction

Reclamation and Revegetation for Mines in Arid Climates is intended for environmental specialists in private practice and governmental agencies. The purpose of this course is to present mining related reclamation based on practical and actual experience. The course presents actual mine reclamation practices that worked or didn’t work. The focus of this course is on base and precious metal mining operations in the western US, but the reclamation practices are applicable in other regions of the US and abroad.

The course presents all aspects related to reclamation of mines from the initial baseline studies to final reclamation and bond release. Much of the approach is based on requirements by governmental agency rules and regulations. Reclamation programs are based on site specific conditions and baseline studies. These studies and surveys may start by examining natural revegetation in the region and on old mine disturbance. The goal is to create systems based on ecosystem analysis (prior knowledge) and sound ecological processes and patterns. The ecosystems established will be stable and sustainable based on the environmental settings, since local ecosystems are a function of climate, soils, biota; animals/vegetation, time, cycles, and energy flow. The goal is to match current ecosystems and promote diversity in compatibility with the surrounding landscape. 

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct baseline studies to support reclamation and environmental impact analysis.
2. Discuss reclamation and revegetation techniques.
3. Develop reclamation plans, apply for and obtain permits, and determine bonding requirements.
4. Develop and evaluate programs for testing, maintenance and monitoring of revegetation.

Duration: 12 Hours

Category: Environment

Level: Intermediate