Conversion of Abandoned Mines into Natural Habitat

Abstract

Reclamation of abandoned mine is a major problem all over the world.Very less effort is given for restoration of abandoned mines as it involves greater risk and is a non–economic operation. Due to mining the topography of the mine gets changed. The land becomes non usable due to loss of topsoil, its surface gets altered, slope undulating etc. The vegetation in the mine site is highly affected because of large amount of deforestation and extensive mining activity. Vegetation plays a major role in protecting the soil surface, its degradation and desertification by stabilizing the soil. Water and wind erosion can be reduced through vegetation only. The water gets contaminated in few places and not advisable to drink at few areas during different mining operation. Overall it can be concluded that an operational mine has every possibility of disturbing the ecosystem and the problem will be existing continues if it is left out. Hence restoring the land, water and ecosystem to the same condition becomes an uphill task. This paper deals with the methods and techniques that can be adopted to an abandoned mine. The method comprises the reclamation strategy, gradual degradation, ecological settlement and an economic sustainable end use for the localities