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The correct selection of the species composition of afforestation in relation to the habitat conditions has a decisive impact on the effects of forest reclamation. In most of the reclaimed forestry areas in Poland, the stands enter the prelogging period, and it is possible to assess the first economic and production effects of reclamation. The assessment was made based on the analysis of the size of the harvested wood during the intermediate cutting on the heap of the former 'Piaseczno' opencast sulphur mine located in southern Poland and managed by the State Forests. At this stage of development, Robinia pseudoacacia played a large role in obtaining a good income from the sale of intermediate cutting wood and economic effects. The obtained results may be important in the context of indicating alternative directions for reclamation and afforestation of post-mining areas, e.g., for plantation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of post-mining wastes in the reclamation of an open pit may act as a source of pollution that has a very strong impact on the groundwater environment. One such facility in Poland is the CTL Maczki-Bór S.A. sand mine filled with waste rock from hard coal mines. The current hydrodynamic conditions in the Quaternary aquifer causes that the wastes are in the bottom part of the open pit under the constant influence of groundwater. Due to the sub-level nature of the pollution source, the author of the study modified the classic rank-weight method of assessing the groundwater vulnerability to pollution in order to adapt it to the atypical type of the pollutant emitter. An individual approach was proposed by modifying the range of parameters as well as the assigned ranks and weights. Six key parameters were indicated, i.e. the thickness of the aeration zone, the thickness of the saturation zone, the filtration coefficients of the deposits in both of these zones, the recharge of the aquifer and the surface topography. The correctness of weight selection was verified by sensitivity analysis in the sensitivity variant of one parameter. It has been proposed to classify the groundwater vulnerability to 5 classes from moderately high to extremely high. For theoretical and effective weights, the obtained values of the index of groundwater vulnerability to pollution allowed to divide the area of the reclaimed open pit into two zones with high and very high groundwater vulnerability to pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of opencast mining and energy production based on conventional resources is one of the most important issues being discussed in international forums. The whole discussion is becoming increasingly heated and takes on a special significance with the drastic increase in energy commodity prices that has occurred with the outbreak of war in Ukraine. Especially in a country like Poland, these issues are accompanied by heated discussions between miners, the government and citizens. It should be emphasised that Polish lignite mining currently produces about 35% of the cheapest electricity in Poland and also creates many jobs. The aim of this study is to assess the possibility of continuing opencast mining and its impact on rural development—both from an environmental and socio-economic point of view. The study was conducted for two municipalities in Poland where opencast lignite mining plays an important role, namely Kleszczów and Kleczew. As a result, it was found that in the case of the studied municipalities, the presence of opencast mining has contributed to their development, and the application of modern environmental protection technologies and recultivation have reduced the difficulties associated with mining. On the other hand, the decision to start mining should be the result of a comparison between the potential environmental and social benefits and damages. In some cases, mining is beneficial for community development and leads to new opportunities for agriculture and tourism after reclamation. The study is a combination of different methods, i.e., case studies, GIS remote sensing analysis (based on Landsat data) and econometric analysis for selected socio-economic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abandoned mine lands are a common element of the contemporary landscape. In administrative practice, they are rated low, yet they are of interest to informal users and scientific and cultural communities. The aim of our research was to identify the possibilities of using qualitative research methods, applied in architecture, to create friendly, urban spaces with a universal character in the areas of abandoned quarries. The study was conducted in the Sadowa Góra quarry area in southern Poland, using the post occupancy evaluation (POE) method. The results of the conducted analysis confirm the effectiveness of the POE method in restoring abandoned mine lands to an economically usable state by surveying users' opinions on accessibility, functionality, and visual quality. The applied methodology was used as effective support for the transformation process of post‐mining areas and as a tool to optimize the costs of their reclamation and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adverse effects of combustion waste disposal sites could be limited by their biological stabilization. This work presents a review of the literature on the utility of species of alder (black, grey and green) in the biological stabilization, and potentially phytoremediation, of combustion waste disposal sites. All three alder species studied are characterized by high survival rates and good growth parameters, with black alder displaying better growth parameters compared to grey alder. In general, the three alder species have been found to have similar and positive effects on the physicochemical properties of combustion waste, with the observed differences being relatively small. In combustion waste disposal site located in Central Poland, litter pH was slightly acidic (pH in KCl 6.3) to neutral (pH in KCl 6.7), which is favourable for strongly alkaline combustion wastes. Accumulation of litter layer ranged from 2.9 to 3.6 Mg ha–1, and grey alder litter was characterized by the highest content of nutrients (N-P-K). Organic C content in the 0–5 cm mineral layer (A) increased to 38.06 and 47.80 g kg–1, respectively for green and black alder. However, the selection of a single tree species for the reclamation of combustion waste needs to be based not only its phytoameliorative function but also its growth and biomass parameters. Given those parameters, black alder is strongly recommended. This species has a similar effect on the properties of combustion waste as grey alder, but it exhibits better growth parameters. Green alder, being a shrub with lower biomass and litter fall than the other two species, exerts weaker ameliorative and soil development effects, but may be used on slopes to counteract erosion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of reclamation on selected soil water properties in soils developed from lignite fly ash, deposited as a dry landfill, twenty years after forest reclamation was initiated. Five soil profiles, classified as technogenic soils (Technosols) within the fly ash disposal site of the Adamów (central Poland) power plant, were selected for this study. Disturbed and undisturbed samples (V=100 cm3) were collected from depths of 5-15 cm and 30-60 in each soil profile. The following physical properties were determined: particle size distribution, particle density, bulk density, soil moisture, hygroscopic water content, and the soil-water potential. Readily available water (RAW; difference of water content at pF=2.0 and at pF=3.7) and total available water (TAW; difference of water content at pF=2.0 and at pF=4.2) were calculated based on soil moisture tension (pF) values. The following chemical properties were determined: soil reaction, total organic carbon, total nitrogen content, carbonate content. Statistical analyses were conducted using the GenStat 18 statistical software package. The soils under study were characterized by very low bulk density, high total porosity, high field water capacity and maximum hygroscopicity. The RAW/TAW ratio values indicate very effective water retention in the soils, thereby ensuring a satisfactory water supply to the plants. However, statistical analysis did not show any clear trends in variability of any determined properties. The small differences in observed outcomes probably resulted from the original variability of the fly ash deposited on the studied landfill. Obtained results show the strong similarity of fly ash derived soils and Andosols in respect of physical and soil-water properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study objective was to prepare a quantitative inventory of lakes and to assess their longterm changes. The research area included the Osa river basin (northern Poland), which is located in a lake district. The research was based on historical cartographic materials published in 1900-1947 (German 1:25,000 'Messtischblatt' topographic maps) and modern topographic maps from 2010 (The 1:50,000 Digital Map of the Hydrographic Division of Poland [MPHP]. The number of lakes increased from 173 to 235, while the total surface area of the lakes fell by 107.55 ha. The largest number of lakes belonged to the 1.0-5.0 ha range on both MPHP and Messtischblatt maps. It was in this range that the largest increase in number of lakes and lake area relative to the historical maps was found. A significant reduction in area of lakes was recorded in the group of lakes with an area from 50 to 100 ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Inzynieria Mineralna is the property of Polskie Towarzystwo Przerobki Kopalin 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.)

There was done an inventarization of 41 coal mining dumping grounds, gathering waste material from 27 mines. Considering the fact, that five mines belong to multi-motion plants the research comprised 32 hard coal deposits. Source data with localization of particular dumps have been obtained from archival materials from the mines and municipalities, in the boundaries where the dumps occur as well as free accessible published materials (books, scientific papers). The data have been verified, in the beginning on the basis of topographical maps, orthophotomaps and aerial photographs and then, after vision done during field works they have been drawn on the topographic base, what resulted in creating the map of post-mining dumping grounds. Valorisation of coal mining waste dumps, using already repeatedly presented method, included defining of: name of the dump, coal mine from where the wastes come from, state of the dump, surface of the dump, type of technical and biological reclamation, accessibility of the object, possibilities of recovery of coal and the results have been drawn on the map. On the basis of collected and elaborated data there was done an attempt of defining of potential possibilities of recovery of coal from the dumps and connecting of coal quality in exploited deposits and coal content in waste material. The results showed that in spite of initial information that the majority of the dumps comprise potential objects of coal recovery of coal from waste material, eventually only in some cases (thirteen objects) the recovery seems to be economically justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining activities affect the environment, while proper reclamation and management of areas transformed by these activities can bring about new, and often much better changes in the landscape. This paper presents the project of the reclamation of the limestone mine "Górażdże" and attempts to extend the directions of reclamation of degraded areas left after extracting activities. The aim of this extension is to present reclamation, which can be an environmentally friendly proposal and therefore positively received by the local community. It was proposed to successively enrich the forest and aquatic reclamation directions by adding a natural one. The selection of optimal solutions was based on rational and the most appropriate criteria, such as taking into account, first of all, the existing natural properties in the area of the quarry under analysis and also the possibility of their future protection. On the other hand, due to the social and economic aspects supported by the natural potential, it was proposed to introduce a recreational and tourist direction, which will not interfere with the current forestry and proposed natural development direction. Finally, after the cessation of mining activity in the mining area, it is suggested to create a geopark and to activate geotourism. The proposed solution may significantly affect the social and economic development, while at the same time maintain the valuable natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of reclamation activities in a tailing pond, consisting in the application of mineral (rock aggregate) and organic substances (crop willow chips, swarf) and reclamation plants such as various species of grass and their mixtures with water-absorbing geocomposites, on the selected physical and biological parameters of the sediment. The experiment was started on Konrad tailing pond in Iwiny village in Poland. The pond had been filled with post-flotation sludge from copper ore mining until 1971. Since then, no activities have been conducted there. The mine tailings with absorbent (geocomposite) were characterised by higher moisture content. Intensified CO2 emissions were also noted, along with a noticeable reduction in the compactness of sediment in comparison to the values obtained for mine tailings without geocomposites. Various types of additives that were mixed with tailings in order to improve its disadvantageous physical and biological properties had a noticeable influence on mine tailings. The best results were obtained after using crop willow chips, which contributed to improved moisture conditions, reduced compactness, and increased amounts of emitted CO2. Individual species of reclamation plants or their mixtures had a relatively slight influence on the analysed properties of the post-flotation sediment. Significant differences were noted only for moisture content of the tails, which was highest after the introduction of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Inzynieria Mineralna is the property of Polskie Towarzystwo Przerobki Kopalin 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 is always connected with interference in the environment, especially with the landscape, hydrosphere and atmosphere. The increasing requirements of environmental standards in Europe influence actions taken by the mining industry, which leads to minimization of impact during exploration, exploitation, processing and use of raw materials and waste. Moreover, mining companies often compensate the environment transformations via the processes of reclamation and adequately chosen directions of further adaptation. New post-mining areas are characterized, in many cases, by higher values than before the commencement of mining works. The problem is still the depletion of non-renewable raw materials. This can be minimized by rational resource management and also by the effective use, recovery, recycling and substituting of minerals. These actions will have an impact not only on the extension of the operation of existing plants, but will also diminish the areas needed for extraction of new deposits. In the paper, the transformations taking place in the mining industry in Poland, as well as myths and threats connected with its further development were pointed out. The actions by this industrial branch which lead to minimization of the pressure on the environment and the applied reclamation were also shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The work presents determination of the productivity of post-mining ecosystems (PME) derived from the aboveground biomass and annual biomass increment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. Single tree biomass assessment data from 42 cut trees were used in developing local allometric equations which may be used as an index during post-mining reforestation projects. The total biomass of pine ecosystems was determined from dendrometric measurements of sample plots with the use of elaborated equations. Forest floor vegetation was determined using the harvest method. Control plots were set up in the vicinity of the mining-sites at a managed forest on natural pine sites (NPS). Results confirm wide ecological amplitude of pine and indicate a high PME productivity on all substrates (2.79–4.34Mgha−1 yr−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the Silesian Upland, sand has been used as fill material in coal mines for over a 100 years. Sand extraction has significantly transformed the geological structure, relief, water and soil conditions, vegetal cover, and microclimate. The aim of the following paper is a synthesis of anthropogenic transformation of the environment, shaping the landscape and restoring nature in areas of sand extraction. We have presented simple models of the environment functioning during mining and post-mining periods. Research implies that of the two preferred directions, i.e. aquatic and forest reclamation, the first approach leads to quicker restoration of nature and ensures greater biodiversity despite higher costs. As a result of forest reclamation, previous vegetal cover is “re-established” within the bounderies of the working, however, in the zone of the cone of depression, due to permanent draining, persist water and soil conditions that are unfavourable for vegetation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2004, soil properties and the species composition of vascular plants and lichens were studied at five sites in a former zinc and lead mining region (Olkusz region, southern Poland). The sampled sites, four reclaimed by planting trees differed in age (5, 15, 30, 35 years old), and one spontaneously vegetated (100 years old). The sites were similar in soil structure and chemical composition. These were skeletal soils poor in N and P, and rich in Ca, Mg, Zn, Pb and Cd. The 100-year vegetation which has developed there spontaneously is represented by grasslands formed mostly by species of open, dry, warm, calcareous and metalliferous habitats, with a numerous group of lichens. On sites with planted trees, the herb layer plants appeared as the result of spontaneous colonization. In the herb layer of younger sites there were species typical of spontaneously developed grassland. Older sites harbored fewer grassland species but also included shade-tolerant meadow species. Expansion of trees caused the disappearance of species characteristic of metalliferous waste habitats. Though tree planting accelerates the formation of plant cover in post-mining areas, it is not conducive to the maintenance of the specific composition of local plant species. Spontaneous development of local vegetation seems an appropriate way to rehabilitate at least part of post-mining areas with regard to the maintenance of the vegetation typical for the metalliferous soils. Islands of such vegetation increase the biodiversity of degraded areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Upper Silesia in Poland, coal is still exploited intensively and mine dump reclamation and afforestation are important environmental mitigation activities. In this study, we analysed the survival rate and foliar nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) supply status and their quantitative relationships of two-year-old Scots pine, Norway spruce, Common oak and European beech at an early afforestation stage of a hard coal mine dump with topsoil. The conditions in the dump in the first years were particularly unfavorable for beech and spruce. The survival rate of seedlings varied between 93% for oak, 67% for pine, 30% for beech and 27% for spruce. Nutrient supply and their quantitative relationships in seedling foliage varied highly in all investigated species. The most deficient element was N; its content was lower than the accepted threshold for individual species under natural conditions. Of the soil properties analysed, electrolytic conductivity (EC) was strongly negatively correlated with foliar N and P. Thus, EC may be the factor with the highest negative effect on nutrient supply and the success of afforestation at early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present day, Europe is moving away from fossil fuels. This is due to the need to reduce CO2 emissions released to the atmosphere. As a result of this process, especially in Upper Silesia, Poland, there will be more areas requiring measures after the closing of mines. Reclamation of post-mining areas is a very difficult task, as there is no universal method of planning the recultivation. During mining operations, we observed many forms of environmental degradation. The article presents the use of one of the newer and increasingly used modeling methods in recultivation processes—the process map. Analysis of the investment is presented, based on the example of the recultivation of a pit after closing the hard coal mine. The main purpose of the analysis was to shorten the designing time of the construction and realization process. Two maps of processes were made, and a map of the existing and desired processes, as well as the benefits from this, are shown. This article presents only one of the stages of the recultivation process—the investment project process—, treating it as an example for optimizing the entire project related to recultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land reclamation is a common practice leading to the restoration of areas affected by industrial activity. Soil studies in reclaimed areas are very useful to determine the effectiveness of reclamation works. The goal of the study was to investigate soil properties, mineral composition, total concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd and As and chemical forms of these elements in order to assess the success of land reclamation of the abandoned mine tailing disposal site of the "Trzebionka" Zn-Pb mine in Trzebinia, southern Poland. The disposal site was reclaimed by covering tailings with a layer of inert material with a thickness up to 25 cm. The topsoil of the studied soil profiles was comprised of sandy loamy/loamy materials and the subsoil was comprised of sandy tailing materials. The soils were characterized by a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction due to the high content of carbonates. The dominant mineral in the subsoil was dolomite. The studied soils were considerably contaminated with Zn, Pb, Cd and As. A high load of mobile Zn, Pb and Cd was typical of the subsoil material. The reclamation layer does not provide sufficient isolation of toxic tailings from the environment and there is still a high risk of element uptake by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the structural organisation and chemistry of the cell walls in woody tissues is crucial from the perspective of plant mechanical strength, water transportability, as well as subsequent commercial utilisation of the wood. Poplar trees (Populus sp.), grown on two reclamation substrates ("Humus" and "Sand") under the extreme soil conditions of an external coal mining spoil heap of the lignite mine in Bełchatów (Central Poland), were examined. Conventional parameters - tree-ring width (TRW) and wood density (WD) resolved annually (years 2008-2017) were corroborated by a novel approach of Raman spectroscopic analysis. Annually resolved Raman spectroscopic data representing the lignin-to-cellulose ratio (Li/Ce) enabled to estimate trends of lignification. The above traits were obtained for the three poplar genotypes: H-275, Grandis, and Androscoggin to assess the suitability of their plantation on the reclaimed heap. Our results show a significant effect of genotype on TRW, WD, and the Raman Li/Ce, while the effect of the soil substrate was less pronounced. The highest Li/Ce was identified in the H-275 genotype grown on a substrate with hummus. H-275 also showed higher TRW values compared to the other genotypes. WD was significantly higher in Grandis and Androscoggin genotypes grown on the "Sand" substrate. Associations between tree-ring parameters and climatic variables (temperature and precipitation) were mostly low and not statistically significant. Our findings from individual tree rings indicate that the genotype is the crucial factor influencing the lignification of poplar trees grown on post-mining lands., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Reclamation of mine spoils is a process leading to initiation of soil-forming and biological processes in former mining areas. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the change in soil fungi abundance and diversity depending on Technosols properties as an effect of reclamation in 1970s. The investigation was carried out in the area of the abandoned "Staszic" mine in Rudki village (south-central Poland). Three soil profiles developed from mine wastes were investigated. Basic physicochemical properties and fungal abundance and diversity were determined. The results showed that fungal abundance and species composition is diverse in the studied Technosols, which is closely related to soil properties, in particular with pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content. Profile R1 represented a site where reclamation (i.e. neutralization of high acidity) did not succeed, therefore the pH of soil was low (3.0–3.9), plant cover was very scarce, and there was a very low concentration of TOC (up to 0.6%) and TN (up to 0.06%). Profile R1 was the most specific in terms of fungal diversity. The most frequent fungal species was acidophilous Acidiella sp. Profile R2 was located in close vicinity of R1 profile, though it represented a site where neutralization succeeded. Therefore, pH was ~7, and high contents of TOC and TN (up to 8% and 0.65% respectively) occurred in the topsoil of profile R2, whereas the subsoil was acidic (pH 3.9) and poor in TOC and TN. Profile R3 was characterized by high pH (7.2–7.6) throughout the profile, high contents of TOC and TN (up to 4.8% and 0.41% respectively) in the topsoil as well as high concentrations of trace elements (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cu). Our analysis showed that the highest fungal diversity was noted in surface horizons. The study confirmed the distinction of surface horizon of profile R2 and the whole profile R3 in terms of fungal species. High fungal abundance and diversity in R2 and R3 soil profile suggests favourable changes in the mycobiota structure as a result of improvement of soil properties due to reclamation works. • Soil pH and content of SOM influence fungi structure in the studied Technosols. • The most frequent fungal species in strongly acidic Technosol was Acidiella sp. • Some fungi species seem to be resistant to high trace element contents in Technosols. • Results suggest favourable changes in fungi structure as a result of soil reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An analysis of successive changes in nematode assemblages in reclaimed waste area offers information about the sensitivity of species or groups of nematodes to specific conditions and ability to colonise new habitats. The study was carried in ash dumps being a by-product of the combustion of hard coal and reclaimed by covering with mineral turf (light loam warp soil) or organic turf (alder peat). In the first 3 years of reclamation diversity of nematodes was low, especially in the dump covered with mineral turf—Shannon diversity index below 3. Later on the value of Shannon index increased and did not differ from those recorded for meadows in Poland. In the ash dump reclaimed for a longer time period (8–11 years) the contribution of K strategist species was higher than in the dumps reclaimed for a shorter time period (2–5 years). At the earlier stages of succession bacterivores Acrobeloides, and two fungivores Aphelenchoides and Aphelenchus, predominated. In the ash dump reclaimed longer the dominance of these three genera decreased and some plant feeders achieved high contribution (>30%). The composition of nematode communities depended significantly on the period of reclamation, but did not depend either on the soil moisture and pH or on season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]