THE INTEGRATION OF GEOMORPHIC & ECOLOGIC CONTEXT TO SURFACE MINE LAND RECLAMATION

It is well understood that typical civil engineering principles result in uniform slopes, terraces, and drainage ditches and often neglect functional and aesthetic benefits of reclaiming mine sites in ways that mimic natural landforms specific to the area. Learn from a leading mining company how they approach reclamation from start to finish. Design starts with researching the presettlement landscape, geomorphology, habitats, biodiversity, species, landforms, current land use patterns, future compatibility, long term site stability, compliance and legal requirements. These considerations and others are then incorporated into the mine plan and taken through to the finalization of contractor specifications and final site closure. Get a rare opportunity to see both the original design plan and the end result at two of the oldest active mine sites in Minnesota as well as a more recent active mine site in Wisconsin.