end land use
phrasePronunciation: /ɛnd lænd juːs/
Also written as: ELU
The planned final purpose and function of a reclaimed mine site after restoration activities are completed.
Full Definition
The designated long-term use and management objective for a mine site following successful reclamation, which guides all restoration planning and implementation decisions. End land use determination considers factors such as pre-mining land use, surrounding land uses, community needs, site capabilities, and ecological potential. Common end land uses include agriculture, forestry, wildlife habitat, recreation, residential or commercial development, or some combination of these uses. The selected end land use directly influences reclamation techniques, success criteria, and long-term management requirements.
Plain English
What the land will be used for after mining is finished and the area has been cleaned up and restored - like farming, parks, or housing.
In Editorial Context
A fundamental concept in reclamation content that connects technical restoration work to tangible community benefits and future land use planning.
Etymology & History
Formalized with the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) of 1977 requiring mines to restore land to beneficial use.
Originally focused on returning to pre-mining use but evolved to consider optimal use based on site conditions and community needs.
Usage
"The community workshop helped determine that wildlife habitat would be the most appropriate end land use for the former strip mine."
Usage note: Should reflect realistic site capabilities and community input rather than simply defaulting to pre-mining conditions.
Context: reclamation planning, environmental permitting, land use planning, regulatory compliance
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Sometimes confused with land use capability, but end land use is the selected use while capability refers to the range of possible uses.