pit lake
nounPronunciation: /pɪt leɪk/
A body of water that forms in an open-pit mine after operations cease and groundwater fills the excavation. These lakes often require water quality management.
Full Definition
A pit lake is a water body that develops when an abandoned open-pit mine fills with water from groundwater, surface runoff, or precipitation over time. These artificial lakes can vary dramatically in water quality, from relatively clean water suitable for recreation to highly contaminated water requiring treatment. The chemistry of pit lakes depends on the surrounding geology, the type of minerals extracted, and hydrological conditions. Many pit lakes become permanent landscape features that require long-term monitoring and management. Some are successfully converted to beneficial uses such as recreation or aquaculture.
Plain English
A lake that forms when an old open mine fills up with water after mining stops.
In Editorial Context
A transformation story element in reclamation narratives, often used to illustrate dramatic landscape changes and adaptive reuse possibilities.
Etymology & History
Term emerged as large-scale open-pit mining increased and post-mining landscape management became important
Initially seen as mining waste areas, now recognized as potential resources requiring management
Usage
"The reclamation plan includes converting the pit lake into a recreational fishing area once water quality standards are met."
Usage note: Always written as two words, never hyphenated
Context: Mine closure planning, water resource management, land use planning
Region: international
Also known as
Contrasted with
Don't confuse with
Mine pools are typically smaller and in underground mines