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Division of evaluation units and establishment of membership functions are two key steps of fuzzy comprehensive reclamation suitability evaluation of abandoned mine lands. This paper improves both the method of evaluation units division and the method of membership functions establishment. Empirical research is carried out in Mentougou district of Beijing in China. It shows that as a mountainous area, among the 603.79 hm2abandoned mine lands in Mentougou, highly and moderately suitable area for agriculture use are only 54.99 hm2and 80.00 hm2. Lowly suitable area is 468.80 hm2. This research can provide theoretical support for the practice of abandoned mine lands reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian coal mining industry is in transition phase with the growing demand of coal and is likely to escalate further with the need of ultra-mega power projects as well as announcement of smart cities projects. Although, there exist sufficient coal reserves in India, continuous acquisition and possession of coal bearing land is required to minimize the existing gap prevailing between coal demand and supply.The solution of the problem lies not only in modification of laws and policies of industry, but also in modification of mining engineering practices towards sustainable development. This paper critically examines the cause of the problem in the light of Indian laws and practices of the industry. In this paper a method of exact reclamation of post-mining land has been designed as a solution to make easier land acquisition by way of proposing a system of returning back the exact reclaimed land to its owners under corporate social responsibility activity of the industry. The proposed conceptual model of interlinking corporate social responsibility with land exchange will encourage sustainable development practice by mining engineers, and may turn around the public image of the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mine pollution causes a serious impact on the ecological environment surrounding the mine site. It provides great theoretical value to explore the effects of planting different plants on soil characteristics and bacterial community structure around the mine site for vegetation restoration. In this study, we mainly assessed the rhizosphere bacterial community structure and diversity of wheat and Chinese milk vetch seedlings in copper tailings by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and also soil properties. The results showed that planting wheat and Chinese milk vetch seedlings led to a decrease in soil pH, but both could increase the content of total nitrogen, organic matter, and available nitrogen in the rhizosphere soil, as well as enhance the activities of urease and alkaline protease. In addition, a total of 1,133,919 active sequences and 13,199 operational taxonomic units were obtained. The microorganisms in the substrate samples belong to 34 phyla and 81 classes, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria were the top three dominant group. In general, Chinese milk vetch or wheat enriched the diversity of bacterial community in rhizosphere soil, the results showed that the number of rhizosphere bacteria in Chinese milk vetch was higher than that in wheat. The structure of the rhizosphere bacterial community of wheat and Chinese milk vetch seedling was similar, but the bacterial abundance was different. Mantel tests showed that Chao index significantly correlated with ammonium nitrogen. These results not only expand our understanding of rhizosphere bacteriomes but also provide theoretical basis for improving the soil quality of industrial and crop yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 3D geological modeling is the prerequisite and core foundation for Digital Mine. Although this new technology brings new opportunities and motivation for the mineral exploration industry, it still has many difficulties to be solved in this area. Based on the characteristics of mine data and the aim of Digital Mine construction, this paper introduces a theory including multi-source data coupling, multi-modeling methods integration, multi-resolution visualization and detection, and multidimensional data analysis and application. By analyzing problems such as the uncertainty in each step of the modeling process, we designed a novel modeling method that can be applied to the complex geological body modeling, mineral resource/reserve estimation, and the mining exploration engineering. Along with the process of mine exploration, development, and reclamation, 3D modeling undergoes the process of 'construction-simulation-revision' during which the 3D model is able to be dynamically updated and gradually improved. Based on the result of practical utilization, it is proven that the methodology introduced by this paper can be used to build an effective 3D model by fully using the mining data under the control of spatial information quality evaluation. Our experiments show that such a 3D model can be used to evaluate the mine resource and provide the scientific evidence to improve mining efficiency during the various stages of evolvement process in mine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tunel is the property of Ceska Tunelarska Asociace ITA-AITES, z.s and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Arsenic (As) is considered one of the most toxic chemicals to both human and environmental health. Mining activities represent one of the main anthropogenic sources of As; the concentration of As in mine soil can reach 9300 mg kg−1. To overcome the major issue of soil As pollution, soil restoration is required. Biological restoration approaches are generally more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable than physical and chemical methods. In particular, phytoremediation, an environmentally friendly technique based on the use of plants to uptake contaminants from soil, has been successfully implemented to restore As-contaminated soils at mine sites. However, mine soils are generally depleted in essential plant nutrients, such as nitrogen (N). Recent research suggests that phytoremediation can be combined with other techniques (physical, chemical, and biological) to enhance the N content and plant biomass. The aim of this review is to assess the current state of knowledge in the field of the restoration of arsenic-impacted mine site soils, focusing on phytoremediation. We critically assess recent work examining the potential of the co-application of amendments with phytoremediation and identify promising technologies and key research gaps. More studies are required to test the effectiveness of using various soil additives to enhance the phytoremediation of As, not only in pot-scale experiments but also in the field, to enable an improved management strategy for mine site restoration in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mine Water & the Environment is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mining activities are one of the main causes of land degradation around the world and reduce the quality of the surrounding ecosystems. Restoration approaches using different vegetations and reclamation methods have been implemented to address this issue. In this review, paper, different studies focusing on the effect of the restoration of mining sites on the accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed. SOC in reclaimed mining soil (RMS) increased considerably after various restoration efforts were implemented. The amount of SOC accumulated in RMS was mostly influenced by the restoration age, vegetation type, and substrate or type of reclamation used. From the scientific papers analyzed, we found that SOC accumulation increases with restoration age; however, vegetation type and reclamation have varied effects. According to the review, the restoration of mine sites with vegetation resulted in a rate of SOC accumulation ranging from 0.37 to 5.68 Mg SOC ha−1 year−1. Climate conditions influenced the type of vegetation used for restoration. Regrading, liming, NPK fertilization, and seeding a mix of legumes and grasses were the most efficient reclamation techniques. Additionally, the use of grass and legume better facilitates the early accumulation of SOC compared with afforestation. Thus, the selection of appropriate tree species composition, reclamation treatments, and restoration age are the key factors for a high SOC accumulation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Bulletin of National Mining University is the property of National Mining University, State Higher Educational Institution and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pollution from mining activities is a global environmental concern, not limited to areas of current resource extraction, but including a broader geographic area of historic (legacy) and abandoned mines. The pollution of surface waters from acid mine drainage is a persistent problem and requires a holistic and sustainable approach to addressing the spatial and temporal complexity of mining-specific problems. In this paper, we focus on the environmental, socio-economic, and legal challenges associated with the concurrent activities to remediate a coal mine site and to develop a national memorial following a catastrophic event. We provide a conceptual construct of a socio-ecological system defined at several spatial, temporal, and organizational scales and a critical synthesis of the technical and social learning processes necessary to achieving sustainable environmental remediation. Our case study is an example of a multi-disciplinary management approach, whereby collaborative interaction of stakeholders, the emergence of functional linkages for information exchange, and mediation led to scientifically informed decision making, creative management solutions, and ultimately environmental policy change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the development preference of settlers surveyed along the upstream, midstream, and downstream sections of Pagatban River in Negros Oriental in central Philippines. The majority of 120 respondents, equally distributed along the three sections of the river, are against the restoration of mining but are in favor of tourism development considering the ecological costs and economic benefits they have to bear with and enjoy, respectively. Specifically, the data show that the number of respondents who do not prefer the restoration of mining is highest among downstream households while the number of those who do not prefer tourism development is highest among upstream households. The midstream respondents generally prefer both development projects. The chi-square test proves significant differences in the development preferences of respondents across settlements along the river. There are also significant differences in tourism preference according to the sex of the respondents, and in mining preference according to farm access, and monthly income of their households. The significant differences in household farm access and income relative to their locations further explain why economic and geographic variations result in divided preference for mining. Given that tourism development is preferred over restoration of mining, how the former's benefits can be enjoyed across settlements should be looked into and planned with genuine community participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of areas contaminated by industrial or mining activities has been a major issue in environmental research in many European countries since the 1980s, and it also constitutes a major area of research at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ. Within this research environment, a consortium consisting of natural and social scientists has developed an EU-funded research project aimed at providing problem- oriented, tailored approaches and technologies for the revitalization of contaminated areas. The approach taken by the project is one that seeks to integrate scientific and non-scientific knowledge. In this paper we show how the idea of joint knowledge production between scientists and non-scientists is pursued in the context of the project. We explore how the rather fuzzy presentation of the transdisciplinary approach in the project proposal opens the door to interpretation and appropriation by scientists and practitioners alike. We describe a number of ad hoc solutions that were deployed to overcome specific dissonances during the collaborative production of knowledge (e.g. substituting common group learning for the single-handed elaboration of concepts by one project partner, or substituting the consultation of external experts for the mere gathering of information). Finally, we show how the interdisciplinary research environment at UFZ enhances the ability of the project team to resolve dissonances, improves collaboration between partners, and increases the innovative potential of project outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative evaluation of ecological restoration effectiveness is critical to provide operational feedback for mine restoration and to implement adaptive management. Existing practice are limited by a focus on single elements and sub-project scales. This paper proposed an ecological restoration evaluation framework with 8 dimensions and 24 indicators from macro perspective, taking a mineral concentration area (MCA) in southeastern Hubei as a case study. LandTrendr and random forest algorithms were used to extract and classify different ecological disturbances around the mine sites from micro perspective. The ecological restoration process and disturbances were revealed at different scales. The findings demonstrated that the total ecological restoration area increased by 10.092% from 2010 to 2019, showing an improving trend, but it has not recovered to the ecological level of 2000. The ecologically degraded areas were shifting to the urban areas with concentrated population and around the water, from area diffusion to strip extension. Ecological disturbances changes in mining areas shows there was a trend towards slower ecological restoration of mine sites after 2019. Disturbances due to construction development occurred in areas surrounding closed mining areas, especially in Huangshi National Mine Park and Tonglvshan Copper Mine. Notably, natural restoration occurred in mine-forest compound area without any ecological restoration measures. While the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of ecological engineering, there are still some limitations in the mine ecological restoration process. In response, we suggest an international framework for ecological restoration in mining areas to solve the cognitive gaps in ecological engineering, improve the management of the whole process of ecological restoration, and optimize the ecological restoration effect in mining areas. [Display omitted] • An ecological restoration assessment framework at macro perspective was proposed. • Different disturbance and recovery types in 3-km buffer were analyzed. • The ecological disturbance and restoration characteristics were analyzed in different typical mining areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological restoration has notably impacted microbe and soil characteristics in abandoned open pit mines, especially in alpine regions. Yet, the adaptive responses of microbial communities in the initial years of mine site restoration remain largely unexplored. This study endeavors to offer a thorough comprehension of soil properties and microbial dynamics during the initial phases of alpine mining land reclamation. It places emphasis on physicochemical properties and microbial community composition and evaluates the feasibility of phytoremediation, along with proposing subsequent measures. Our study employs spatial sequence instead of time-sequenceal sequence to investigate early-stage changes in soil microbes and physicochemical properties in alpine mining land reclamation. We used high-throughput sequencing for the 16S rRNA amplicon study. Over time, soil physicochemical properties improved noticeably. Soil pH shifted from neutral to alkaline (7.04–8.0), while soil electrical conductivity (EC) decreased to 77 μS·cm−1 in R_6a. Cation exchange capacity (CEC) initially decreased from R_2a (12.30–27.98 cmol·kg−1) and then increased. Soil organic matter increased from 17.7 to 43.2 g·kg−1 over time during mine reclamation and restoration. The dominant bacterial community consisted of Proteobacteria (33.94% to 52.09%), Acidobacteriota (4.94% to 15.88%), Bacteroidota (6.52% to 11.15%), Actinobacteriota (7.18% to 9.61%), and Firmicutes (4.52% to 16.80%) with varying relative abundances. Gene annotation of sequences from various reclamation years revealed general function prediction, translation, ribosome structure, cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, nucleotide translocation, and metabolism, along with other related functions. Mine reclamation improved soil fertility and properties, with the R_6a treatment being the most effective. Starting in the 2nd year of reclamation, the effective phosphorus content and the dominance of microbial bacteria, notably the Bacillus content, decreased. Firmicute fertilization promoted phosphorus and bacterial growth. In conclusion, employing a blend of sequencing and experimental approaches, our study unveils early-stage enhancements in soil microbial and physicochemical properties during the reclamation of alpine mining areas. The results underscore the beneficial impacts of vegetation restoration on key properties, including soil fertility, pore structure, and bacterial community composition. Special attention is given to assessing the effectiveness of the R_6a treatment and identifying deficiencies in the R_2a treatment. It serves as a reference for addressing the challenges associated with soil fertility and microbial community structure restoration in high-altitude mining areas in Qinghai–Tibet. This holds great significance for soil and water conservation as well as vegetation restoration in alpine mining regions. Furthermore, it supports the sustainable restoration of local ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine suitable plant species for reclamation of an abandoned coal mine area at Ovacik village within the borders of Yaprakli town in the province of Cankiri, Turkey. The paper comprises three basic parts: (i) sampling and analyses of several chemical–physical properties of the soil; (ii) sampling and identification of the natural plant species; and (iii) determination of topographic features of the study area by spatial analysis tools. Soil samples were taken from 0 to 30 cm depth at 15 sampling sites. Soil textural separates (percent sand, silt and clay), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), soil pH, electrical conductivity and soil organic matter (SOM) were measured. Soil properties, especially SOM content, pH and textural separates, exhibited significant variations at the sampling site. SOM content was considerably high and pH was low in the coal storage area. The plant composition of the study area was studied based on the plants collected during the period of vegetation from 2010 to 2011. The collected plants were suitably transformed to herbarium materials and identified according to modern systematic techniques. A total of 54 taxa belonging to 23 families were determined in the study area. The average slope of the study area is approximately 24% and the dominant aspect is south-east. By considering all features of the study area, a total of 28 taxa, excluding natural plant species identified on the site, were suggested for reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Coal mining in high groundwater table areas causes many environmental issues. In China, such regions have three unique and significant characteristics, (1) multiple coal seams; (2) thick coal seams and (3) high groundwater, which lead to mine subsidence ponds. In the past, reclamation of disturbed land was carried out after subsidence stabilised. Such reclamation is a low-percentage of reclaimed farmland, and has high reclamation cost, difficult construction conditions, because of relatively flat terrain and the shortage of backfilling materials in flat topography. Therefore, salvaging the topsoil before it is submerged in water and reusing it while subsidence becomes stable would be a good way to improve the reclamation efficiency. This paper considers a longwall panel in Shandong province as a case study. Dynamic mining subsidence was simulated using mining subsidence prediction software. To illustrate subsidence development and its effects on farmland, the ground was first divided into cell size of 40 m along with pre-mining topography. The mining subsidence and water logging time for each cell were then calculated. Based on the simulations, the topsoil removal time, scope and depth of topsoil was determined. The salvaged topsoil could be reused subsequently, which would provide enough filling material to raise the percentage of reclaimed farmland, and reduce reclamation costs. The research benefits the development of concurrent mining and reclamation technology in underground mining sites, and promotes the synchronisation of exploitations and treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Mining Sciences is the property of Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ecological rehabilitation of mining sites with must consider not only the standard works, but consider the possibilities of socio-economic regeneration of the mining regions. At present accent is increasingly on the development of natural environments, agriculture and landfills. This paper aims to provide some solutions to environmental rehabilitation of mining Peşteana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities produced a lot of abandoned mine land. This paper introduced the theoretical and technical progress of ecological restoration of surface coal mines, mining subsidence land and coal waste piles in China and discussed some key problems for research in the future. Ecological restoration of abandoned mine land was related to many disciplines, and multi-disciplinary theories might make great contributes to it. Some practical techniques of ecological restoration of abandoned mine land and their demonstration bases in China were introduced. Ecosystem succession process and mechanism, structure optimization of land use and new technologies of ecological restoration of abandoned mine land should be focused on in research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents a new GIS extension, named ArcMine, developed to support reclamation planning in abandoned mining areas. ArcMine provides four tools to (a) assess mine subsidence hazards, (b) estimate the erosion of mine wastes, (c) analyze flow paths of mine water at the surface, and (d) identify suitable tree species for mine reforestation. A spatial database incorporating a topographical map, geological map, mine drift map, and borehole data was designed and utilized in ArcMine to examine distributed mine hazards that can damage the surrounding environment. Application to abandoned mining areas in Korea shows that ArcMine could provide useful information on mine hazards to support reclamation planning. This paper reports the concept, development, and implementation of ArcMine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The question of how sustainable a mining site is at the end of its operational life has been somewhat unanswered. The fundamental problem has been how to evaluate the sustainability of a mining site once operations cease and is abandoned. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is certainly a way to evaluate sustainability of such sites, but only through inference and subjective evaluation. This is because the topic of sustainability still hotly debated, and is predominantly focussed on an anthropocentric approach. Even with quantitative-based EIAs, the question is how to directly evaluate sustainability from the data available using a consistent quantitative approach rather than on a case-by-case basis or subjective evaluation. However, by using the ideas and concepts concerning the coupled relationship between the environment and humans prevalent in sustainability science, the question of what is and how to evaluate sustainability has become capable of being answered. Based on previous work of the author in the development and application of a mathematical model of sustainability, the paper applies the model to the results of a quantitative EIA evaluation for nine clusters of abandoned limestone quarries located in the southern Palestinian West Bank. The results indicate that seven of the nine clusters were deemed to be unsustainable, whilst the other two clusters were considered as sustainable at a very weak level only. The results are discussed within the broader context of the coupled environment-human system using one of the supporting frameworks for the development and application of the mathematical model of sustainability: Earth System Analysis. Within this context, the discussion indicates the fact that unmanaged impacts by humans has created the situation for unsustainability to occur. The paper therefore provides for the clearest indication yet of the nature of sustainability at the end of the mining operational life-cycle without an effective and proper management strategy or policies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Subsided mined-land reclamation with Yellow River Sediments is an effective way and a win-win strategy for reducing the Yellow River sedimentation and accelerating mined land reclamation by using sediments as filling materials, which is of great significance to improve the regional ecological environment. In order to analyze the maximal supply amount and sediments demand for the filling reclamation of mining areas in the Yellow River basin, in this paper, we took the Yellow River and 23 national planning mining areas within 150 km away from the main sediments deposition segments of the Yellow River as the study area. Through the analysis of supply and demand of sediments for the filling reclamation of mining areas, the river segments and mining areas suitable for filling reclamation were preliminarily identified and the schematic sediments transport paths were also designed. Firstly, the sediments balance equation was used to estimate the sedimentation amount in main sediments deposition segments of the Yellow River in 1950－2013. Secondly, the sediments demand for filling reclamation of all mining areas within the study area was estimated. Based on the above two steps, we analyzed the spatial difference on the relation of Yellow River sediments supply and demand for the filling reclamation in all main sediments deposition segments. Finally, the sediments transport paths of different mining areas were designed as a whole by following the principle that the path should be shortest for minimum construction and labor costs involved. The results showed that the main sediments deposition segments of the Yellow River are Bayangol－Toudaoguai and Mengjin－Lijin, whose total sedimentation amount was 14.431 billion tons in 1950 －2013. Therefore, the sedimentation was the most serious in the river segment called Mengjin－Gaocun, where the accumulated sedimentation amount was 11.475 billion tons in 1950－2013. By the distance difference from the Yellow River, those 23 mining areas were further divided into three types of mining groups, including nine short-distance (S1) mining areas, 10 middle-distance (S2) mining areas, and four long-distance (S3) mining areas, which were 0 - 60 km, >60 - 120 km and >120 - 150 km away from the Yellow River, respectively. Their total sediments demand amount was about 22.512 billion tons by 2013. The spatial relationship between the supply and demand of the Yellow River sediments was unbalanced, thus not all mining areas could be reclaimed with Yellow River Sediment for insufficient sediment in some river segments. In the river segments including Bayangol－Sanhuhekou, Huayuankou－Gaocun, Aishan－Lijin, the sedimentation amount could cover the reclamation demand, thus all the mining areas could be filling-reclaimed using the sediments only judging by the difference between the sediment supply and reclamation demand, but in the river segments including Sanhuhekou－Toudaoguai, Mengjin－Huayuankou and Gaocun－Aishan, the sedimentation amount was less than the reclamation demand, thus only part of the mining areas could be suitable for the sediment-filling reclamation application. As a result, 7 S1 mining areas and 5 S2 mining areas, including Baotou, Yima, Jiaozuo, Zhengzhou, Feicheng, Huang Hebei, Zibo, Wuhai, Pingdingshan, Jincheng, Hebi and Xinwen, were comparatively suitable for filling reclamation by both sediments transportation length and sediments sufficiency or not, whose total sediments demand was 4.531 billion tons around and 4.488 billion tons, respectively by 2013, about 9.019 billion tons in total, accounting for about 40.06% of the total sediments demand of all mining areas and about 62.50% of the total sedimentation amount in the study area. The total water involved for sediment transportation to the mining areas suitable for filling reclamation was about 14.881 billion tons by 2013. The sediments transport paths length of the mining areas suitable for filling reclamation was about 21.98 - 109. 02 km away from the Yellow River. The total sediments transport paths length to the suitable mining areas was about 643 km. The study is the foundation for the wide-scale promotion of the filling reclamation technology of mining areas with Yellow River sediments, and is helpful for the subsequent feasibility study, the relevant planning and reclamation policies making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background, aim, and scope The mobility of arsenic in soils and its transfer to other environmental components present significant environmental risks. The management of polluted land is determined by the availability, mobility, and transfer of inorganic pollutants to different ecosystem compartments. In this paper, the fate of arsenic at this mining site has been evaluated to determine future management practises to minimise such risk. Materials and methods In a field study carried out in the area adjacent to a mining site at Bustarviejo (North Madrid, Spain), samples of soils, plants, and water were collected from areas adjacent to the core of the former mining activity. The following parameters were investigated in soil samples: pH, organic matter, pseudo-total As, P, and Fe, and labile As and P, and a sequential extraction procedure was performed to investigate As speciation in soil. Plant materials were analysed for both As and P. Arsenic concentrations in water samples (surface and soil pore water collected in the field) were also measured. Results are considered in tandem with previous data on metal concentrations in soils and plants from this site. Results Despite high As concentrations in soils impacted by former mining activities (spoil accumulation and drainage from spoil heaps resulted in concentrations of up to 3,000 mg kg-1), it was not present in a labile form. Sequential extraction revealed that arsenic was mainly retained by Al- and Fe-(oxihydr)oxides (up to 80%). Therefore, only a small proportion of the total soil pool was potentially available for plant uptake (0.3% and 7% extracted by (NH4)2SO4 and NH4H2PO4, respectively). There was very limited transfer of arsenic from soil to plants, and concentrations of arsenic in shoot tissues were relatively low (<8 μg g-1). There was no evidence of phytotoxic effects in the flora that had colonised this site, indicating that a sustainable ecosystem had been established. Discussion High levels of arsenic occur at this site, but arsenic mobility appears to be primarily controlled by the presence of amorphous and crystalline Fe and Al hydrous oxides. Although a low labile As fraction was extracted, concentrations of arsenic in both surface and soil pore water are of concern. The risk of arsenic remobilisation by plant uptake or transfer to the food chain via plant consumption is relatively low in these soils. Large amounts of metals and arsenic remain at the site, and potential risks need to be monitored. Some possible remediation strategies that take into account the presence of both arsenic and heavy metals will be suggested. Recommendations Natural attenuation and phytostabilisation processes are taking place in several parts of the study area. These natural processes could be enhanced by application of both compost and a suitable Fe-based amendment. This augmentation of the re-vegetation of the affected area could act to promote both arsenic and metal stabilisation in mine tailings with additional benefits for further vegetation establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper describes the transformation process of the East-German brown coal mining in connection with the reorganization of the power industry after the political change in 1989. The objectives of this transformation process is the reduction of heavy environmental pollution, primarily the reduction of SO2- and airborne particles and past pollutions, as well as the mine reclamation stopping the further degradation of settlements with technical infrastructure. The paper focuses on the elaboration of brown coal mining plans for living and abandoned mining as integral parts of the regional plans in Saxony. The principle of the primary integration of landscape planning into regional planning organizing land use and settlement development will be explained. Based on the Chinese planning system starting points for planning developments in China will be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Soil is known to serve as a significant sink for heavy metals in coal mine sites, thus also influence the plant and other organisms of that area. Hence, the presence of heavy metals in coal mine soil is of concern to land managers. Insects occupy different trophic positions in the food chains, thus many insect species accumulate large amounts of heavy metals in their bodies and this is a matter of concern. In the present study, we investigated biotransfer and bioaccumulation of heavy metals from soil, grass species Cynodon dactylon, Vetiveria zizanioides, grasshopper species Gastrimargus africanus, Choroedocus robustus, ant species Cataglyphis longipedem and Camponotus compressus in six different ages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 year old) of coal mine sites. Our study revealed that at some extent the heavy metal content and BAF patterns of heavy metals along different pathways (from soil to grass, soil to grasshoppers and from grass to grasshoppers) were not consistent and did not reflect the soil pollution status for all the metals, related to the mine spoil dump age. However, in contrast, ants successfully reflected a consistent pattern in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals via soil, thereby indicating the pollution status of the soil along with the restoration age of mine spoil dumps. Our study showed that ant species can successfully forecast the presence of heavy metals of coal mine spoils along with their restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetite is a mineral that occurs in many types of igneous rock and can be found in large quantities in fluvial and marine environments. It can also be extracted by reprocessing of existing mine tailings. In this paper, magnetite supplied from two different mining sites was evaluated as a substitution of natural limestone filler in asphalt mix design. Magnetite and limestone fillers were added to the bitumen according to three filler/bitumen ratios to form composite asphalt mastics. Rheology of the mixes was analysed to study the effects of magnetite as potential filler in asphalt pavement applications and comparisons were made with natural limestone filler-based mastics. In addition, particle size analysis, scanning electron microscope, Cryo-SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, were conducted to comprehensively characterize the composite mixes. Results showed that the addition of magnetite-based ferromagnetic filler in asphalt mix design represents a suitable way to recycle this material, which is available in large quantities in many countries. In addition, ferromagnetic particles could also be exploited for induction or microwave healing of asphalt cracks as demonstrated by recent studies. Viscoelastic properties of the bituminous mastic are improved by reducing the mastic’s temperature and loading time susceptibility; stiffness and elastic behaviour at high temperature was also improved hence potentially increasing resistance to permanent deformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct seeding is a more cost-effective method for plant community restoration than transplanting pot-grown plants, but this method is not applicable to all plant species and all regions. To evaluate the effectiveness of direct seeding to restore mined cold desert vegetation without irrigation, Atraphaxis frutescens (L.) Ewersm., Calligonum junceum (Fisch. et Mey.) Litv., Peganum harmala L., and Seriphydium gracilescens (Krasch. et Iljin) Poljak. were directly sown in the bottom of dry furrows and on a flat site in the mined wasteland before the second snowfall in late autumn. Seedling emergence, survival, and growth were monitored for 3 years. For the four species, cumulative seed germination in the furrows ranged from 6.4 to 23.6% and the highest germination was 23.0 and 23.6% for A. frutescens and C. junceum, respectively. Survival at the end of 3 years was 7.0–56.1% for the four species. In the flat area, cumulative seedling emergence for C. junceum, A. frutescens, P. harmala, and S. gracilescens was 0, 0, 0.7, and 1.4%, respectively, and all seedlings died with the onset of drought. Thus, under natural precipitation conditions, the success of direct seeding depends on the microsite and species. We conclude that direct seeding can be an effective method for establishing the shrubs A. frutescens and C. junceum in mined wasteland if seeds are sown in furrows that have been created across the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are key contributors to desert ecosystem functions; therefore, biocrust restoration following mechanical disturbance is imperative. In the Negev Desert hyperarid regions, phosphate mining has been practiced for over 60 years, destroying soil habitats, and fragmenting the landscape. To understand the effects of mining activity on soil health, we previously characterized the biocrust communities in four phosphate mining sites over spatial (post-mining and natural plots) and temporal (2–10 years since restoration) scales. We showed that bacterial abundance, richness, and diversity in natural plots were significantly higher than in post-mining plots, regardless of temporal scale. In this study, we selected one mining site and used DNA stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) to identify which bacteria grow in post-mining and natural biocrusts. Since biocrust communities activate only after wetting, we incubated the biocrusts with H218O for 96 hours under ambient conditions. We then evaluated the physicochemical soil properties, chlorophyll a concentrations, activation, and functional potential of the biocrusts. The DNA-SIP assay revealed low bacterial activity in both plot types and no significant differences in the proliferated communities' composition when comparing post-mining and natural biocrusts. We further found no significant differences in the microbial functional potential, photosynthetic rates, or soil properties. Our results suggest that growth of hyperarid biocrust bacteria after wetting is minimal. We hypothesize that due to the harsh climatic conditions, during wetting bacteria devote their meager resources to prepare for the coming drought, by focusing on damage repair, and organic compound synthesis and storage rather than on growth. These low growth rates contribute to the sluggish recovery of desert biocrusts following major disturbances such as mining. Therefore, our findings highlight the need for implementing active restoration practices following mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loop source TEM method has been widely used in the detection of a mined out area in China. In the cases that the laying of traditional rectangle or square transmitting loop is limited due to the presence of obstacle on the path of the loop, the changing of the shape of the transmitting loop to bypass the obstacle is a labor saving solution. A numeric integration scheme is proposed to calculate the response and Jacobian of the segmented loop source from that of an electric dipole source. The comparison of forward response between the segmented loop and square loop shows the effect of loop geometry on the decay curves. In order to interpret the data from an irregular source loop, this paper presents an inversion scheme that incorporate the effect of loop geometry. The proposed inversion scheme is validated on the synthetic data, and then applied to the field data. The result reveals that the developed inversion scheme is capable of interpreting the segmented loop source TEM field data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native seed underpins the success of most terrestrial restoration efforts globally; however, the fragility of the native seed supply chain presents a key challenge to achieving global restoration goals. With the current heightened global focus on ecological restoration, seed supply chains are under unprecedented pressure worldwide. New and practical solutions are required to help the native seed industry move toward more sustainable and reliable supply, and in turn, facilitate more cost‐effective, successful, seed‐based restoration. Here we focus on species used in biodiverse mine site restoration in two regions of Western Australia as a test case for evaluating two key elements of the seed supply chain: seed quality and price. The study assessed seed quality in 185 species, then combined these results with seed price to determine the actual cost of pure live seeds (PLS) used in restoration. Average seed quality, expressed as a weight percentage of PLS, is 55%. The average price for a native seed batch across 129 species is $1,093 Australian dollars (AUD)/kg, and when adjusted for viability and purity is $2,600 (AUD)/ kg of PLS. We suggest replacing the traditional approach of pricing seed per unit weight ($/kg) with a new method that would reflect seed quality and unit number; price per thousand pure live seeds ($ TPLS). We posit that this new way of pricing native seeds would increase transparency and information flow in the marketing of native seeds, which will, in turn, enable seed users to more reliably plan for, and evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of seed‐based restoration projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present and elaborate one research example when bauxite was the main target of the investigation. During reprocessing and reinterpretation of the original data from the "Crvene stijene" locality near Jajce in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it was established that bauxite hanging wall and footwall rocks in fact represent an even more valuable mineral resource, as "dimension stone". The final goal of the research was to optimize the ratio between research and exploration costs and total profit by exploration of all available mineral resources in the area. For that purpose, a new research evaluation method encompassing both bauxite (primary resource) and associated deposits was developed and named the "integrated approach". Integrated, joint evaluation of bauxite and associated deposits (dimension stone), gives a far greater economic significance to whole area. Finally, with this new method, the ratio between overall profit and cost will be optimized which results in significant increase in profit because all available deposits are considered for exploitation. Also this method can be applied on abandoned mining sites if there is some secondary profitable mineral deposit in the mine area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an interdisciplinary perspective on mine reclamation in forested areas of Ghana, a country characterised by conflicts between mining and forest conservation. A comparison was made between above ground biomass (AGB) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content from two reclaimed mine sites and adjacent undisturbed forest. Findings suggest that on decadal timescales, reclaimed mine sites contain approximately 40% of the total carbon and 10% the AGB carbon of undisturbed forest. This raises questions regarding the potential for decommissioning mine sites to provide forestry-based legacies. Such a move could deliver a host of benefits, including improving the longevity and success of reclamation, mitigating climate change and delivering corollary enumeration for local communities under carbon trading schemes. A discussion of the antecedents and challenges associated with establishing forest-legacies highlights the risk of neglecting the participation and heterogeneity of legitimate local representatives, which threatens the equity of potential benefits and sustainability of projects. Despite these risks, implementing pilot projects could help to address the lack of transparency and data which currently characterises mine reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of sampling surveys carried out in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the Rude and the Sv. Jakob historical mining sites, NW Croatia. The studied polymetallic ore deposits differ in their min-eralogical and geochemical features as well as in the host rock lithology. The Rude Fe-Cu-Pb-Zn-Ba deposit is hosted by Permian siliciclastic sediments. Siderite, haematite, galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, pyrite, barite and gypsumare the major ore minerals. The Sv. Jakob Pb-Zn deposit occurs in the Middle Triassic dolostone. The most abundantore minerals are galena, sphalerite and pyrite. Although the deposits represent potential sources of numerous toxicmetals, no pollution of the drainage streams and associated stream sediments was recorded. The studied mining sitesare characterized by high carbonate/sulfide ratios responsible for the alkaline character of the drainage streams (pH=7.3-8.7). Consequently, the mining sites have very low potential for both generation of acid mine drainage andfor leaching of heavy metals into the drainage systems. Furthermore, the study revealed that the populated areas(stream waters with decreased redox potential, increased organic matter content, high NO3-, NH4+ and PO43- concentrations; stream sediments enriched in exchangeable Pb and Zn) and the Sava river alluvium (overflowing streams enriched in Hg) represent a greater environmental threat than the investigated polymetallic ore deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of remedial alternatives for mine sites is a complex task because it involves multiple criteria and often with conflicting objectives. However, an existing framework used to select remedial alternatives lacks multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) aids and does not consider uncertainty in the selection of alternatives. The objective of this paper is to improve the existing framework by introducing deterministic and probabilistic MCDA methods. The Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) methods have been implemented in this study. The MCDA analysis involves processing inputs to the PROMETHEE methods that are identifying the alternatives, defining the criteria, defining the criteria weights using analytical hierarchical process (AHP), defining the probability distribution of criteria weights, and conducting Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS); running the PROMETHEE methods using these inputs; and conducting a sensitivity analysis. A case study was presented to demonstrate the improved framework at a mine site. The results showed that the improved framework provides a reliable way of selecting remedial alternatives as well as quantifying the impact of different criteria on selecting alternatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A landfill reclamation project was considered to recover landfill airspace and soil, reduce future groundwater impacts by removing the waste buried in the unlined area, and optimize airspace use at the site. A phased approach was utilized to evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of the reclamation project; based on the results of these evaluations, approximately 6.8ha of the unlined cells were reclaimed. Approximately 371,000 in-place cubic meters of waste was mined from 6.8ha in this project. Approximately 230,600 cubic meters of net airspace was recovered due to beneficial use of the recovered final cover soil and reclaimed soil as intermediate and daily cover soil, respectively, for the current landfill operations. This paper presents the researchers’ landfill reclamation project experience, including a summary of activities pertaining to reclamation operations, an estimation of reclamation rates achieved during the project, project costs and benefits, and estimated composition of the reclaimed materials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses research which aims to compare nutrient leaching and retention in soil amended with poultry manure in an abandoned surface coal mine located in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. It describes environmental concerns associated with presence of excess manure nutrients in soil. It explains how composted manure promote acceleration of microbial transformation of organic compounds. It reports soil amendment treatments performed which involve inorganic fertilizer, composted poultry layer manure, and a combination of fresh poultry layer manure and paper mill sludge. A chart listing details of amendment application rates is also presented.

Abstract: This paper examines Pb concentrations and sources in soil, grass and heather from the Rookhope catchment in the North Pennines, UK, an area of historical Pb and Zn mining and smelting. Currently, the area has extensive livestock and sports shooting industries. Risk assessment, using the source-pathway-receptor paradigm, requires the quantification of source terms and an understanding of the many factors determining the concentration of Pb in plants. A paired soil and vegetation (grass and heather) geochemical survey was undertaken. Results showed no direct correlation between soil (total or EDTA extractable Pb) and vegetation Pb concentration. However, regression modelling based on the Free-Ion Activity Model (FIAM) suggested that the underlying mechanism determining grass Pb concentration across the catchment was largely through root uptake. Spatial patterns of 206/207Pb isotopes suggested greater aerosol deposition of Pb on high moorland and prevailing wind facing slopes. This was evident in the isotopic ratios of the heather plants. Pb isotope analysis showed that new growth heather tips typically had 206/207Pb values of ~1.14, whilst grass shoots typically had values ~1.16 and bulk soil and peat ~1.18. However, the 206/207Pb ratio in the top few cm of peat was ~1.16 suggesting that grass was accessing Pb from a historical/recent pool of Pb in soil/peat profiles and consisting of both Pennine ore Pb and long-range Pb deposition. Isotope Dilution assays on the peat showed a lability of between 40 and 60%. A simple source apportionment model applied to samples where the isotope ratios was not within the range of the local Pennine Pb, suggested that grass samples contained up to 31% of non-Pennine Pb. This suggests that the historical/recent reservoir of non-Pennine Pb accessed by roots continues to be a persistent contaminant source despite the principal petrol Pb source being phased out over a decade ago. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The paper presents experimental solutions for the reclamation of soil contaminated with diesel oil and other petroleum products in the neighborhood of an oil deposit, using biodegradable sorbents alone or in combination with active biological sludge. Samples of soil polluted with petroleum and petroleum products have been treated in three different ways: with NatureSorb type biodegradable sorbent, with a mixture between biodegradable sorbent and biological sludge inoculum, respectively beech sawdust. For monitoring the degradation process, there were carried out monthly analysis of quality indicators of experimental samples and of microbiological activity in soil samples. After several months of treatment, concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons have been significantly reduced; greater efficiency in the diminution of the concentration of petroleum product was registered for samples treated with the mixture of biodegradable sorbent and organic sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article attempts to analyze methods that can be used to restore a former coal mining site to a condition that is well integrated into its surroundings and that recovers the abandoned and contaminated land and renders its value to the community. The key concept that guides the present paper is that the coal mining is just a temporary land use and that the cost of cleaning the mining site should be an operating expense that has to be included in the budget of a coal mine company starting with the first year of operation. The coal mining industry in Romania is presented as a case study to emphasize the effects that closed coal mines have on communities where they are located and, based on the methods that are successfully used to solve similar problems, recommendations are formulated to improve the environmental rehabilitation of the mining sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the behaviour of growing and collapsing foams. In particular, it focuses on the drainage of the liquid, and thus the evolution of the liquid content, within the growing or collapsing foam. By assuming that the films fail when they are subjected to a pressure above a certain critical pressure, the collapse of the foam is modelled. The model predicts that the growing foam behaviour can be divided into two regimes: at low gas rates, the foams will asymptote towards an equilibrium height, while above a certain critical gas rate, the foams will continue to grow indefinitely. This behaviour was found experimentally as well. At the higher gas rates, there is a change in the slope of the foam height versus time plot, though with the exception of a transition region, this relationship remains a linear relationship one. The difference between these slopes can be used to estimate the pressure exerted on the films at the top surface of the foam. Since these bubbles are bursting, this is the critical pressure required to cause film failure within the foam. When compared to the stability of films in single film experiments, those in the foam, not unexpectedly, demonstrate lower stability. This is due to vibrations and other disturbances that are present within flowing foams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The restoration of surface mining (open‐cast) sites is key to meeting global ecosystem restoration targets. With the improving of data availabilities and technologies, it has become possible to expand restoration monitoring from single to multiple mine sites on a large scale. Based on the MODIS global disturbance index (MGDI), this study proposes a mine landscape restoration index (MLRI), by coupling the LST and EVI to simultaneously monitor the restoration of multiple mine sites. Restoration areas were identified by MLRI time‐series analysis and classified into significant consistent increase (SCI) and significant anti‐consistent increase (SAI) areas. The restoration effects of 46 surface coal mine sites located in the ecologically fragile northwestern region of China from 2000 to 2019 were assessed based on 3,675 LANDSAT images from the Google Earth Engine. Results show that the MLRI was effective at identifying restoration areas and processes, and this effectiveness was validated by high‐resolution images and field investigations of mine samples. The overall percentage of restored area for mines that started mining before 2000 was 55.01% ; for mines that starting mining after 2000, 33.68%. According to the differences of SCI and SAI area percentages, 46 mine sites were classified into three clusters, with 13, 11, and 22 mine sites, respectively. The mine sites with high restoration percentage are located mainly in Hailar and Shanbeimengnan regions. This study provides a new approach for monitoring the restoration effects of multiple mine sites and informs government managers about developing mine restoration programs and sustainable mining development plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Seed germination and seedling growth of Paulownia tomentosa were evaluated over a pH range of 1.5-7.0 to determine the species' suitability for use in the reclamation of acidic strip-mine environments. (2) No seed germination occurred below pH 4.0, and seedling emergence was significantly reduced in soil of pH 4.5. Further, seedling growth was depressed in soil of pH 4.5, with significantly lower root length, leaf number and root and shoot dry mass, when compared with seedlings grown on soils of pH 5.5 and 6.5. (3) Although P. tomentosa invades strip-mine sites, measurements of the effect of acidity on seed germination and seedling growth suggest that only less acidic microsites may be habitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking a three-year fertilization trial in mine reclamation soil from Shanxi Province, China as an example, the effects of different fertilization treatments on soil carbon storage and carbon fixation by corn were studied in this paper. Four treatments were designed in the experiment, including fertilizer (F), organic manure (M), half organic manure plus half fertilizer (FM) and control (CK). The results showed that fertilization had certain roles in increasing organic carbon storage of mine reclamation soil, and the application of single or combined organic and inorganic fertilizers had the most remarkable influence. Meanwhile, the treatment of single or combined organic and inorganic fertilizers could improve the carbon fixation capacity of corn prominently, and increased soil organic matter input. Thus, the application of organic manure or combined organic and inorganic fertilizer has great contribution to enhancing soil carbon sink and sustainable development of agriculture. However, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer is the best choice for agricultural field based on economic consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reclamation of degraded and mined lands has become paramount due to exploitation of our resources. The study sought to explore the potential of biochar for amending degraded mined soil and stockpiled topsoil and its ability to enhance plant diversity at the Yongwa quarry site in the eastern region of Ghana. Method: Two separate experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Four treatments were allotted randomly within each block for stockpiled topsoil and amended degraded mined soil experiments and replicated three times. Biochar and poultry manure were applied at 0.002 tons per every 2 m x 2 m plot. However, when applied in combination (biochar and poultry manure), they were applied at 0.001 tons of biochar and 0.001 tons of poultry manure per every 2 m x 2 m plot. Result: The results of the study revealed a generally higher nutrient status and species diversity on the plots with amended soils compared to the control. The highest Shannon index (2.04) was recorded on the combined biochar and poultry manure-amended plots while the lowest was recorded on the control plot (1.08). A similar trend was observed on the degraded mined soil amended plots with the combined biochar and poultry manure-amended soil recording the highest Shannon index (2.32) and effective number of species values (10.15) compared to the other amendment plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference site selection associated with mining and resource development requires a comprehensive approach so that stakeholders can be confident that restoration efforts have appropriate target ecosystems. Here, we present our process to select reference sites, within a savanna ecosystem, which will be used to develop and assess closure criteria and restoration guidelines for Ranger Mine (Northern Territory, Australia). The selection of reference sites followed five steps involving desktop and field methods. We recommend that restoration projects consider inclusion criteria, randomly select sites from areas matching the chosen criteria, conduct preliminary data analysis, estimate and update sampling effort and precision at several points throughout the project, and invite stakeholder feedback and revision of the process as often as required. This detailed reference site approach appears to be the first to demonstrate how to use available data to reduce bias, address sampling effort and site selection quantitatively, involve stakeholders, and provide useful data, which can be used to calibrate ecological restoration outcomes for savanna ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Understanding limitations to plant recruitment is a key element in devising effective restoration of semi-arid ecosystems: only when these limitations are identified can management interventions be effectively targeted. This study investigated demographic, seed and microsite limitations to establishing native plant species in a semi-arid, post-mining restoration context. Methods: We assessed ex situ and in situ germination and in situ emergence for eight key tree, shrub and annual herb species. We sowed non-treated seeds and seeds that were pre-treated to overcome dormancy, at differing densities and across diverse microsites to assess the roles of dormancy, seed density and microsite type as limiting factors for seedling recruitment. Results: We found that dormancy loss, in situ germination and in situ emergence limited one or more species, and we were able to improve emergence of one species by seed addition and targeted manipulation of microsites. Conclusions: The study has resulted in management implications including the importance of understanding methods to overcome dormancy to maximise germination; identifying key and species-specific demographic transitions; the importance of species-specific testing of seed sowing density; and the potential for increasing emergence by sowing seeds in furrows rather than broadcasting across rises and furrows, or on flat, unripped soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We simulate soil armouring induced by interrill erosion under simulated rainfall. • Linear relationships observed between cumulative sediment yields and rock cover. • Exponential relationships between total runoff and rock cover. • Rock content and initial rock cover determines the rate of rock cover exposure. • We propose ways to account for the armouring process in WEPP and RUSLE2. Surface soil properties can change as a result of soil disturbances, erosion, or deposition. When soils contain rock, surface soil properties can also change over time as a result of the process of soil armouring, which is the selective removal of finer particles by erosion, leaving an armoured layer of coarser particles that may reduce further soil loss. Rapid armouring is typically reported in steep and bare slopes on mine sites, construction sites, road embankments, and also rangelands. Changes in surface soil properties over time induced by armouring are not accounted for in current erosion models such as WEPP or RUSLE2 because little is known about rates of armouring over time as a function of rainfall intensity, rock content, slopes, and other factors. In this paper we simulate soil armouring induced by interrill erosion in two sets of experiments and propose ways to account for the process in WEPP and RUSLE2 without modifying the science behind the models. The first set of experiments was conducted to demonstrate and quantify the effect of armouring on sediment yields under varying rainfall intensities. Rainfall with intensities ranging from 22 to 80 mm h−1 was simulated on 0.56 m2 plots at slopes of 18 degrees (32.5%) using topsoil with high rock content from a mine restoration site. Results showed a clear relationship between rainfall intensity and armouring. There was an over 75% reduction in total soil loss under 22 mm h−1 rainfall between freshly applied soils and highly armoured soils at the same slope. A second set of experiments was conducted to understand the relationships between soil rock content, rate of surface rock cover change, slope change and sediment yields. Sediment yields and surface rock cover were quantified for non-cohesive soils consisting of glass beads with a diameter range of 45 to 90 μm and 0, 20 and 40% rock content in 0.22 m2 plots at a 15° (26.8%) slope under 80 mm h−1 simulated rainfall. Linear relationships were observed between cumulative sediment yields and rock cover, and exponential relationships between total runoff and rock cover. The armouring process was modeled at the experimental scale with WEPP and RUSLE2 by iteratively altering the rock cover and the slope over time. WEPP event based simulations at this scale resulted in reasonable predictions of sediment yields throughout the armouring process, and RUSLE2 required modification of soil erodibility values to account for high rock content and changes in runoff over time. Automation of this process, however, would require modifications of the models to expose rock cover and change slope over time. A method for doing this is discussed for interrill processes, but interactions between rill erosion and armouring need further study. The effect of long-slope high-energy rill flows on armouring also needs further investigation through field scale experiments, as this study did not examine the extent to which rock is uncovered and/or moved on long slopes differently from the residues already modeled in WEPP and RUSLE2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrate biomonitoring can reveal crucial information about the status of restoration projects; however, it is routinely underused because of the high level of taxonomic expertise and resources required. Invertebrate DNA metabarcoding has been used to characterize invertebrate biodiversity but its application in restoration remains untested. We use DNA metabarcoding, a new approach for restoration assessment, to explore the invertebrate composition from pitfall traps at two mine site restoration chronosequences in southwestern Australia. Invertebrates were profiled using two cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 assays to investigate invertebrate biodiversity. The data revealed differences between invertebrate communities at the two mines and between the different age plots of the chronosequences. Several characteristic taxa were identified for each age within the chronosequence, including springtails within the youngest sites (Order: Collembola) and millipedes within the oldest and reference sites (Order: Julida). This study facilitates development of a molecular "toolkit" for the monitoring of ecological restoration projects. We suggest that a metabarcoding approach shows promise in complementing current monitoring practices that rely on alpha taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In finding what physiological characteristics can be used to predict ground cover success on mine reclamation sites, 14 herb and grass species were tested. Establishment and early growth was tested on three different soils, ie vermiculate and quartz sand mixture, quarry overburden and coal mine overburden in a greenhouse. The results indicate that plant height and cover, transpiration rate and foliar pigments may be used to select plant adaptability to mined soil. White clover (Trifolium repens L.) showed the greatest potential as ground cover for mined soils. Species most widely used in reclamation tended to be perennials of moderate rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated surface water and groundwater models are well suited for evaluating the long-term performance of oil sands mine closure landscapes to optimize reclamation designs that satisfy performance criteria. However, the scale of the problem makes it difficult to evaluate a large number of design alternatives using numerical models, while at the same time satisfying numerical criteria, such as the courant and peclet numbers. The problem becomes particularly challenging in the design of permeable sand tailings hummocks overlying relatively impermeable composite tailings, where vertical advective flushing of process-affected water through the tailings hummocks is coupled to lateral transport of diffusive release from the underlying composite tailings. We developed an analytical solution that rapidly estimates long-term mass loadings from the sand tailings without the challenges typically associated with numerical modelling. Advection and dispersion in the flushing zones, progressive diffusion into underlying low permeability layers, and purely diffusive release are all considered. A comparison of the analytical solutions to numerical simulations for a series of simple hypothetical cases demonstrated that the analytical solutions provide a reasonable simulation of the mass loadings from the reclaimed landscapes over the design life. Although the approach needs to be further verified and validated for more realistic complex mine reclamation conditions, the analytical framework provides a foundation for hydrologic analysis in mine reclamation and closure in the northern boreal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]