Abandoned Mine Reclamation Glossary
743 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 07 Sep 2026
Rare earth element recovery pathway analysis
The systematic examination of methods to extract and recover economically valuable rare earth elements from mine waste materials, overburden, or tailings during reclamation operations. Analysis evaluates technical feasibility, environmental impact, and economic viability of recovery technologies.
Subsidence Risk Assessment
A systematic evaluation of ground surface collapse potential resulting from void migration, underground excavation insta...
Subsidence Risk Mapping
Spatial analysis identifying areas prone to surface collapse or differential settlement resulting from underground minin...
Subsidence Zone
A surface depression or collapse area resulting from underground void migration, ground settlement, or pillar failure in...
Substrate Amendment
The addition of organic matter, nutrients, or soil conditioners to degraded mining areas to improve soil fertility and s...
Substrate Compaction
The compression and densification of soil or rock materials through mechanical pressure, reducing pore space and affecti...
Subsurface Characterization
The systematic investigation and documentation of geological, hydrological, and geochemical conditions beneath a mine si...
Subsurface Mining Recovery
The process of extracting remaining ore or minerals from underground workings after primary mining operations have cease...
Subsurface Void Remediation
The process of addressing underground cavities and voids created by mineral extraction that may pose stability risks or...
Subsurface Void Stabilization
The engineering process of stabilizing underground cavities and voids created by mining extraction through grouting, bac...
Sulfide Oxidation
The irreversible chemical reaction in which sulfide minerals (particularly pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite) are oxi...
Sulfide Oxidation Chemistry
The geochemical processes involving oxidation of sulfide minerals (such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite) that pr...
Superficial Deposit Stabilization
The process of mechanically or chemically treating loose surface materials in abandoned mines to prevent erosion, dust g...
Surface Contouring and Grading
The physical reshaping and leveling of mined land surfaces through earthmoving operations to achieve desired topography,...
Surface Crown Pillar
A section of rock or ore remaining between the lowest underground excavation and the surface terrain that provides struc...
Surface Disturbance Footprint Mapping
The detailed geospatial documentation and analysis of areas physically altered by mining activities, including pit bound...
Surface Disturbance Reclamation
The process of restoring land surface features, topography, and drainage patterns at mining sites to achieve hydrologica...
Surface disturbance remediation
The process of restoring mined land surfaces through regrading, recontouring, and landscape reconstruction to achieve st...
Surface Mine Reclamation
The active restoration process of returning mined lands to productive use through grading, soil reconstruction, habitat...
Surface Subsidence
The gradual or sudden sinking of land surface above abandoned underground mine workings due to collapse of unsupported v...
Surface Subsidence Monitoring
The systematic measurement and tracking of ground surface elevation changes caused by underground voids, mine collapse,...
Surface water diversion
The engineered redirection of streams, runoff, or precipitation away from exposed mine workings, tailings areas, or reac...
Surface Water Runoff Management
The engineering design and implementation of controls to direct precipitation and snowmelt across reclaimed mine sites w...
Surficial Remediation
Environmental restoration techniques applied to the upper soil and overburden layers of abandoned mining sites without e...
Tailing Impoundment
A constructed or natural basin designed to contain and settle fine mining waste particles and associated process water....