Mine reclamation
Mine reclamation
is the process of restoring land that has been mined to a natural or economically usable purpose. Although the process of mine reclamation occurs once mining is completed; the preparation and planning of mine reclamation activities occur prior to a mine being permitted or started. Mine reclamation creates useful landscapes that meet a variety of goals ranging from the restoration of productive ecosystems to the creation of industrial and municipal resources. In the United States, mine reclamation is a regular part of modern mining practices. Modern mine reclamation minimizes and mitigates the environmental effects of mining.