Abandoned Mine Reclamation Glossary

The process of mechanically and chemically treating mine tailings storage facilities to prevent erosion, seepage, and du...

The engineering process of chemically treating, physically compacting, or capping mining waste deposits to prevent erosi...

An engineered structure or impoundment designed to contain and manage mining waste byproducts (tailings) separated from...

An engineered structure designed to contain and manage mine waste slurry, including both solid and liquid components, re...

The process of reshaping mine landscapes to eliminate steep slopes, reduce erosion potential, and restore drainage patte...

The minimum thickness of fertile topsoil material required to be reinstalled across a reclaimed mine site to support veg...

The systematic chemical and physical analysis of hazardous materials and contaminants present at abandoned mine sites to...

A sequence of interconnected treatment technologies designed to progressively remove different contaminants from mine-af...

A constructed or restored wetland ecosystem designed to remove contaminants from mine water through biological uptake, c...

The sudden or gradual failure and subsidence of underground mine openings, including shafts, tunnels, and chambers, typi...

A systematic evaluation of subsurface voids, structural integrity of mine pillars and roof systems, and probability of c...

The systematic documentation and spatial representation of subsurface voids, tunnels, chambers, and structural features...

The sinking or collapse of the land surface above underground mine workings due to removal of mineral deposits and inade...

A cavity or empty space created by extraction of minerals or ore beneath the surface, including tunnels, chambers, and s...

A comprehensive evaluation of empty or air-filled spaces remaining within mine workings after resource extraction. The a...

The surveying and three-dimensional characterization of empty spaces, cavities, and tunnel networks remaining within aba...

The natural or assisted establishment of plant communities on disturbed mining substrates following reclamation preparat...

The process of planting native or adapted plant species on reclaimed mine sites to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and...

A structured plan for revegetating abandoned mine sites using native plant species selected for environmental conditions...

The achievement of self-sustaining plant communities on reclaimed mine lands that meet specific ecological and agronomic...

Quantifiable metrics used to evaluate whether reclaimed mine sites achieve functional plant communities capable of preve...

The percentage of planted species that survive and achieve self-sustaining growth on reclaimed mine sites, typically mea...

The process of planting and nurturing native or adapted plant species on reclaimed mine surfaces to prevent erosion, res...

The restoration of vegetation coverage on disturbed mining land to establish self-sustaining plant communities and preve...