Abandoned Mine Reclamation Glossary

The rise of groundwater levels in abandoned mines following cessation of pumping operations, which can mobilize contamin...

The systematic measurement and tracking of groundwater levels as they rise following cessation of mine dewatering operat...

The treatment and restoration of contaminated groundwater in abandoned mine environments through chemical, biological, o...

An engineered system designed to remove, treat, or contain contaminated groundwater through pumping, filtration, chemica...

The process of improving contaminated groundwater quality through active remediation or natural recovery mechanisms to r...

The process by which water levels in aquifers beneath and around mine sites return to pre-mining elevations after mining...

A barrier of injected cement or chemical grout installed underground to control groundwater flow. Used in mine reclamati...

The systematic reestablishment of ecological conditions and biodiversity on reclaimed mine sites to support native flora...

The documented ecological conditions of a site prior to reclamation interventions, used as a reference point for measuri...

A linear strip of restored native vegetation and connected ecological zones designed to facilitate wildlife movement bet...

A defined ecological objective that quantifies desired species composition, structural complexity, and functional divers...

The comprehensive process of decommissioning metallic mineral operations including ore processing facilities, waste rock...

The systematic removal, restoration, or repurposing of temporary and permanent access roads used for transporting ore an...

The process of treating and reinforcing temporary or permanent roads used for mineral extraction to prevent erosion, dus...

A comprehensive documented record of all potentially dangerous substances present at an abandoned mine site, including h...

The systematic analytical process of identifying and quantifying contaminants in mine waste materials to determine regul...

The containment of hazardous mine-related wastes (such as arsenic, lead, or other toxic compounds) within engineered bar...

An engineered surface structure where crushed ore is stacked and irrigated with leaching solution to extract metals thro...

The systematic closure and remediation of heap leach facilities used to extract minerals through chemical dissolution, i...

The process of treating and stabilizing ore processing areas where minerals were extracted using solution percolation me...

An ore processing method where crushed ore is stacked in heaps and treated with chemical solvents that percolate through...

A lined surface area where crushed ore is stacked and percolated with leaching solutions to extract valuable metals, typ...

The process of safely closing and remediating engineered pads where crushed ore was stacked and chemically treated to ex...

The solid byproduct remaining after percolating leaching solutions through stacked ore to extract valuable metals, typic...