A gestão do processo de recuperação de uma área degradada pela mineração consiste em três etapas principais: planejamento; implementação das medidas de correção ou prevenção e implementação de gestão. Neste trabalho, foi desenvolvido um instrumento de avaliação que pode ser usado por órgãos públicos ou por empresas de mineração para auxiliar no controle e melhoria das práticas de recuperação ambiental. A avaliação é feita por meio da aplicação de um roteiro, fundamentado nas boas práticas internacionais e nacionais relacionadas à recuperação ambiental de minas. Para fins de teste e calibração, os roteiros foram aplicados em três minas de calcário, nas quais se verificou que as evidências - visuais, documentais e verbais (obtidas por meio de entrevistas) - coletadas devem ser interpretadas dentro de um contexto que envolva o entendimento das características ambientais e operacionais particulares de cada mina. As categorias de classificação da avaliação da eficácia de medidas de recuperação ambiental foram definidas em: eficaz, parcialmente eficaz, não eficaz e não se aplica. Ante aos resultados, foi possível identificar um \"cenário atual\" das práticas de recuperação ambiental empregadas em cada mina inspecionada e consequentemente recomendar ações visando a melhoria das práticas atuais e a redução de um futuro passivo ambiental. Diante destes resultados, conclui-se que o procedimento de avaliação da eficácia de medidas de recuperação ambiental desenvolvido nesta pesquisa é adequado, mas sua aplicação somente pode ser feita por um profissional que detenha alguma experiência no assunto, fator primordial para o julgamento e contextualização das evidências coletadas. O roteiro proposto nesta pesquisa ainda pode ser aplicado em outras minas de diferentes minerais e pedreiras. / The reclamation process management of an area degraded by mining activity consists of three main steps: planning. application of correction or prevention measures and monitoring. In this work, an assessment tool to be used by public bodies or by mining companies in order to support the control and improvement of environmental reclamation practices was developed. The assessment has been carried out with a script based on the national and international good practices regarding environmental reclamation in mines. For testing and calibration purposes, the scripts were applied in three limestone mines. The conclusion is that the evidences - visual, documental and verbal (interview) - must be analyzed in a context which involves the understanding of the environmental and operational characteristics in each mine. The categories for classification of the efficacy assessment of environmental reclamation measures have been defined as: efficacious, partially efficacious, non-efficacious and not applicable. Considering the results, it was possible to identify a \"current scenario\" of the environmental reclamation practices used in each inspected mine and consequently recommend actions to improve the current practices and reduce a future environmental liability. It was concluded that the procedure of the efficacy assessment of the environmental reclamation practices developed in this research is appropriate, but its application can only be made by a professional that presents some experience in the subject. It is a decisive factor for the evaluation and contextualization of the collected evidences. The proposed script for this research can still be applied in other mines with different minerals and quarries.

A definição adequada da lâmina para lixiviação de sais e recuperação de solos salinos depende da qualidade dos resultados obtidos por meio das diversas equações disponíveis para esse fim. Sabendo disso, objetivou-se, com este trabalho: a) avaliar a eficiência de equações empíricas utilizadas para determinar a lâmina de água necessária à recuperação de solos salinos, bem como, b) a caracterização da mobilidade e distribuição do íon sódio em colunas de solo usando dados experimentais e simulados no modelo computacional MIDI. O estudo constou de etapas experimentais e de simulação e foi conduzido nas dependências do Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas da Escola Superior de Agricultura \"Luiz de Queiroz\" - ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba - SP. O experimento em casa de vegetação consistiu na aplicação de três lâminas de lixiviação para lavagem e recuperação de dois materiais de solos, armazenados em 36 colunas. Anteriormente, cada solo foi artificialmente salinizado, por meio da aplicação de cloreto de sódio, elevando-se a condutividade elétrica da solução do solo para valores aproximados de 3,0 e 6,0 dS m-1. Assim, os tratamentos, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, corresponderam a um fatorial de 3 x 2 x 2, decorrente das combinações de três lâminas de lixiviação com dois tipos de solo e dois níveis de salinidade. As lâminas, calculadas a partir do volume de poros de cada solo, foram aplicadas por meio de um sistema de irrigação (gotejamento) a uma vazão de 8 L h-1. Após a aplicação das lâminas, a solução do solo de cada coluna foi extraída e levada ao laboratório para se determinar a condutividade elétrica e concentração de sódio. Nesta etapa foram avaliadas as alterações nas características químicas do solo, em resposta à aplicação das lâminas. Em seguida, equações empíricas foram utilizadas para estimar as concentrações de sais remanescentes na solução do solo, em função das lâminas de lixiviação aplicadas; enquanto que o modelo MIDI foi empregado para simular a distribuição do sódio no perfil do solo. Os cenários teóricos gerados a partir do uso das equações e do modelo MIDI foram comparados com os resultados experimentais, observados nos ensaios com as colunas de solos instaladas na casa de vegetação. As concentrações de sódio e, consequentemente, os valores de condutividade elétrica da solução do solo reduziram de maneira inversamente proporcional com a aplicação das lâminas de lixiviação; sendo os melhores resultados observados no solo arenoso, em função da maior mobilidade do sódio neste material. De maneira geral, as equações testadas foram mais eficientes no solo arenoso e, dentre elas, a proposta de Cordeiro (2001) foi a que apresentou respostas mais coerentes com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente. / The method to properly determine salt leaching water depth and recovery of saline soils depends on the quality of the results obtained by various equations available for this purpose. The objectives of this research were: a) to evaluate the efficiency of empirical equations used to determine the water depth required for saline soils reclamation and b) to characterize the mobility and distribution of sodium in soil columns using experimental and simulated data via the MIDI model. The study consisted of experimental and simulated steps and was carried out at the Department of Biosystems Engineering (\"Luiz de Queiroz\" College of Agriculture - ESALQ/USP), in Piracicaba, SP. The greenhouse experiment began by applying three leaching water depth for washing and reclaiming two soil types stored in 36 columns. Previously each soil sample was artificially salinized by applying sodium chloride, increasing electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil solution to approximate values of 3.0 and 6.0 dS m-1. Thus, the treatments in random block design, with three replications, corresponded to a factorial 3 x 2 x 2, arisen from the combinations of three water depth with two soils types and two levels of salinity. The water depth was calculated based on the pore volume of each soil type, were applied by drip irrigation system at a flow rate of 8 L h-1. After the water depth application, the soil solution of each column was extracted and taken to the laboratory to determine the EC and sodium concentration. The changes in soil chemical properties in response to application of the water depths were then evaluated. Empirical equations were used to estimate the remaining sodium concentrations in the soil solution according to the applied water depth; while the MIDI model was used to simulate the sodium ion distribution in the soil profile. The theoretical scenarios generated from the use of the equations along with the MIDI model were compared with the experimental results observed in tests with soil columns installed in the greenhouse. The sodium concentrations and the values of EC in the soil solution were reduced inversely proportional to the application of leaching water depth. The best results were observed in sandy soil, owing to the greater mobility of sodium in this material. In general, the equations tested in sandy soil were more efficient and, among them, the one proposed by Cordeiro (2001) was the most accurate when compared to results obtained experimentally.

116 pages / This project uses interview responses from local, impacted people to explore the future landscape of the Lithium Pilot Plant in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, as its development responds to the rise and fall of global lithium demand. As technology changes, so do the materials that support it. Recent research suggests that lithium could become obsolete in the next fifty years despite current trends towards lithium-ion based technology. Such as shift could leave mass quantities of mining remnants and would constitute the next step in a continuous history of Bolivian resource exploitation. This project explores a speculative future scenario where solutions for the gradual transition from current mining practices constructively deal with mining waste and prepare the study area for a post-mining era. Through this exploration, the project deviates from more standard approaches to mined landscape reclamation, which conceive of returning the landscape to its original state. The overarching premise is that, if a reclamation program framework is established, it could permit the territory to transition to alternative, productive uses. Based on several local interviews and my personal evaluations about the future land use and cover classes, I developed a reclamation program for the study area depicted in a 2070 scenario master plan. The proposal establishes a new economy of infrastructure tourism in the region, using agriculture, energy production and celestial movements in a new form of territorial restructuring.

Este estudo analisa os métodos e técnicas utilizadas na revegetação de áreas de mineração de areia, e avalia os resultados que vem sendo obtidos. Foram visitadas cinco minerações típicas do setor contendo áreas revegetadas, nas quais observou-se o conjunto das atividades de recuperação. De forma geral, a revegetação vêm cumprindo papel fundamental na recuperação das áreas mineradas. Para uma avaliação mais detalhada, numa segunda fase do estudo, selecionou-se duas minerações: Viterbo Machado – onde houve revegetação com espécies nativas em área de disposição de rejeito e; Cinco Lagos – onde foi executada revegetação em antiga área operacional visando a recuperação de mata ciliar. Para avaliar os resultados da revegetação, foram selecionados cinco indicadores de desempenho: aspecto visual da revegetação, densidade, altura média de plantas, número de espécies plantadas e mortalidade de mudas. Na Mineração Viterbo, as características do rejeito depositado (finos) dificultam o desenvolvimento normal das plantas. As práticas atuais de manejo amenizam o problema, mas ainda não são suficientes. O tipo de manutenção de uma área revegetada há cinco anos, ainda não permite a regeneração natural, e nem todas as espécies utilizadas estão adaptadas às condições do substrato. Outra área semeada há nove anos só com gramíneas, hoje em dia revela um processo de regeneração natural considerável, embora com número restrito de espécies e distribuição localizada. A revegetação na Mineração Cinco Lagos tem pouca diversidade de espécies, mas apresenta bons resultados de crescimento e regeneração natural, especialmente em área com distanciamento de 6x1m entre linhas e plantas, respectivamente. Alguns aspectos observados do manejo do solo precisam ser aprimorados, e a escolha das espécies deve considerar a adaptação local. O número de espécies usadas para implantação de mata nativa é muito restrito, mas a regeneração natural vem se mostrando decisiva na diversificação de espécies. A revegetação em bacias de decantação requer a incorporação de novas estratégias de manejo do solo e das plantas. O método de avaliação demonstrou-se válido desde que realizado mediante a aplicação de um conjunto de indicadores e tendo em conta as características intrínsecas de cada local. Pesquisas neste campo podem ser aprofundadas com aplicação de indicadores adicionais (por exemplo sobre o estado do solo), e com estudos do aprimoramento do manejo nas suas dimensões técnica e econômica. / This dissertation analyses the methods and techniques used to revegetate areas of sand mines and assess the results obtained. In the first phase of study, reclamation activities of five typical sand mines were observed. In general, revegetation in these mines plays a fundamental role in mined areas reclamation. Two mines were selected for a more detailed assessment, namely: Viterbo Machado Mine- where revegetation of decantation ponds has been carried out with native species; and Cinco Lagos Mine- where revegetation was performed in previous operational area aims to recover riparian vegetation. For assessing results, indicators were selected for collecting the following data: visual aspect of vegetation, plants density and number of species per hectare, plants height average and settled plant mortality. In Viterbo Mine, tailings characteristics make difficult the normal plant development. Current practices of soil management diminish this problem, but efforts have not shown to be enough to obtain satisfactory results. The type of maintenance of a five year plantation does not permit natural regeneration, and plant species chosen are not the best suitable. In a nine year grassland sown, nowadays there is a good natural regeneration process but with few number of species. Cinco Lagos Mine presents low planted species diversity but shows good conditions of vegetation growth and natural regeneration, mainly with 6mx1m grid between lines and plant respectively. Some aspects of soil management must be improved and the choice of species has to consider local adaptation. A low number of species are used for restoring natural vegetation, but natural regeneration process has been found is showing to be a decisive factor for diversification of vegetal species. Revegetation practice of decantation pond needs to add new soil and plant management strategies. Results assessment has been done through the application of a set of indicators. New research can be done to test the applicability of additional performance indicators (soil condition, for example).

Thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017 / Abandoned mines in South Africa have created a series of environmental legacies around the mining community in the form of health hazard (air pollution), land degradation and illegal mining activities. The biggest mine environmental legacy that is being addressed today in South Africa is that of abandoned mines, particularly asbestos and the process of cleaning up asbestos mining dumps in South Africa as implemented by Mintek (state owned mineral processing and metallaurgical research instistute)on behalf of Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and this form the main basis of this research study. The history of abandoned mines, particularly asbestos mining, is that the mining peaked and took place during the time when there were no environmental regulations forcing mining companies to take control of their waste. The only legislation was the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act (Act No.45 of 1965). The Mineral Act, which regulated most of the mining activity in South Africa was promulgated in 1991 and was enacted as Act No.50 in 1991. Apart from the environmental challenges, these mines are located in rural areas with high unemployment levels and poor infrastructure, and therefore all solutions would require these matter to be addressed as well. This study was based on a literature review involving bamboo as a potential vegetation cover to be grown on abandoned mineland both for rehabilitation and with intention to harvest it for energy use. This would hope to address some of the socioeconomic issues within the communities surrounding such abandoned asbestos mines. Penge area in the Limpopo Province is proposed as the site for a pilot study for such bamboo cultivation. Bamboos are a large group of rapidly growing woody grasses, mainly found in the IndoChina regions of the world that can be sustainably managed in short-cycle harvesting schemes. They offer many benefits like erosion control, architectural properties for rural construction activities and can be used as biomass feedstock for the bioenergy economy. The results of this study indicate that it is possible to grow bamboo in the Penge based on its physio-climatic conditions. The literature review proposes , Bambusa balcooa, Dendrocalamus asper, Dendrocalamus strictus and Phyllostachys edulis as suitable bamboo species for the region. Based on rudimetary simple evaluation model the area will produce 14 tonnes/ha/year of biomass in the 5th year of harvesting, increasing to and stabilizing to 47 tonnes /ha/year in the 7th year and it has proven economically feasible to proudce energy from the amount of feedstock generated. / XL2018

For the past century the federal government has been an active partner with state and local agencies to develop water supplies in the arid West. The last of the large-scale federal reclamation projects to be completed is the Central Utah Project or CUP. The CUP has generated considerable controversy throughout its history. The projects opponents have criticized its expense in terms of both dollars and environmental damage while others have worried about its impact on their water rights. Because of its cost and complexity, planning and construction have spanned decades. This has allowed individuals, organizations, and government agencies opportunity to attempt to influence the plans for the project to address their concerns. During six different periods—the initial congressional debate, project planning, the drafting of environmental impact statement in response to the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act, a lawsuit challenging that document, President Jimmy Carter's reevaluation of the project as a part of the so called "hit list," local reauthorization of the projects repayment contract—these groups worked to alter the Bureau's plans to reduce the environmental, social, and fiscal impacts of the project. Despite multiple attempts, they failed to significantly alter the Bureau's, increase environmental mitigation, or decrease environmental impacts. However, the project's opponents had been given a seventh opportunity. In the late 1980s, after a half century of planning and more than 20 years of construction—the Bureau knew that it could not finish the project without increasing the congressionally authorized spending limits. At a time of waning federal support for such projects, the Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate committees controlling Bureau projects, Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) and Congressman George Miller (D-CA), blocked the bill until the Utah delegation addressed the environmental concerns and objections of the project's critics. Determined to keep the project alive, Utah's sole Democrat in Congress, Wayne Owens, acted as a mediator and began to negotiate a compromise. A determined five year effort resulted in a seventy-five page compromise bill that allowed the project to move forward while addressing the major concerns of the project's opponents. Congress passed the Central Utah Project Completion Act in October 1992. The Completion Act cut some of the projects irrigation features, increased the amount of local cost share, shifted planning and oversight for the remaining features from the Bureau to the local water District, and mandated increased environmental mitigation overseen by a new independent federal agency. This thesis identifies the primary concerns of the CUP's critics and traces their attempts to alter the Bureau's plans to address these concerns. Further, it provides a more detailed account of the arduous, but ultimately successful attempt to alter the project during the Congressional debates that created and authorized the Central Utah Project Completion Act. Finally, it assesses the success of the legislation to meet it stated goals during the first decade of implementation.

Survival, growth and biomass accumulation of 19 year-old trees planted on an Appalachian surface mine site were evaluated to determine the effect of spoil grading and surface amendment treatments. Three spoil grading treatments (loose-dump, strike-off and graded control) were established to create a range of operationally feasible spoil compaction capable of impacting tree establishment and growth. Likewise, three surface amendment treatments (straw/manure mulch, hardwood bark mulch and control) were applied to determine their effects on tree development. Trees grown under low-compaction grading treatment levels (strike-off and loose-dump) consistently outperformed trees planted in a high-compaction control treatment. Loose-dump preparation resulted in higher survival for five of six tree species and greater biomass in three species for which this metric was estimated. Strike-off preparation resulted in higher diameter at breast height (DBH) values. The addition of straw/manure surface amendment increased biomass for hardwood species for which this value was estimated. Volunteer woody vegetation growing in the same experimental plots was measured and characterized by species. Loose-dump plots exhibited highest overall volunteer stem and native stem density and compacted control plots had lowest volunteer stem density and lowest proportion of native stems. Strike-off plots exhibited intermediate values for both of these measures.

Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes can take place at the expense of degrading environmental conditions and undermining ecosystem’s capacity to deliver benefits to people. In the Appalachian region, surface mining for coal is a major driver of LULC change. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 requires mine site reclamation but typical reclamation practices often result in land cover dominated by grass and shrubs. The Forestry Reclamation Approach (FRA) is a promising reclamation strategy but not in widespread use by industry. Assessing ecosystem services that can be obtained from a forest landscape may help policy-makers and other stakeholders fully understand the benefits of forestry based reclamation. The objectives of this study are to 1) identify how surface mining and reclamation changed the LULC of a watershed encompassing the north fork of the Kentucky River 2) assess the biophysical value of four major ecosystem services under the contemporary LULC condition and 3) assess the benefits of the FRA scenario in the provision of ecosystem services. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to study the LULC change and InVEST software models for ecosystem services assessment. The results indicate that watershed’s forest area has decreased by 7,751 hectares from 2001 to 2011 and mining activity may have contributed 75% of the change in LULC. Barren and grassland land covers provide less carbon storage, yield more water, and export more sediments and nutrients than forests. At the watershed level, the FRA modeled scenario increased carbon storage (13%) and reduced water yield (5%), sediment export (40%) and nutrient export (7%). This study provides critical information regarding the ecological benefits of Forestry Reclamation Approach to assist policy and decision making in this region even considering the modeling and data limitations.

Thesis (M. Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011

Thesis (M. Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2013