Abandoned Mine Reclamation Glossary
743 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
Metallurgical Residue Encapsulation
A containment strategy that seals or encloses mining byproducts and processing residues within engineered barriers to prevent leaching and environmental release of metal concentrates. Encapsulation methods include geosynthetic membranes, solidification/stabilization matrices, and multilayer cap systems.
Anoxic Limestone Drain
A passive treatment system consisting of a subsurface channel filled with limestone that treats acidic mine drainage in...
Anoxic Limestone Drain (ALD)
A passive treatment structure filled with limestone that removes acidity and metals from mine drainage under anaerobic c...
Anthropogenic Disturbance Recovery
The process by which ecosystems restore ecological function and structure following human-induced damage from mining act...
Approximate Original Contour
A reclamation standard requiring the restoration of mined land to surface configurations that closely resemble the pre-m...
ARD Prevention
Preventive measures implemented during mine closure to minimize or eliminate the generation of acid rock drainage by iso...
Arsenic Volatilization
The process by which arsenic compounds are converted into gaseous forms and released into the atmosphere from contaminat...
backfill material
Material used to refill excavated areas or voids in abandoned mines during reclamation activities.
Backfill Material Characterization
The systematic identification, classification, and testing of physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of materia...
Backfill Material Consolidation
The process of compacting and stabilizing fill materials (rock, soil, or processed waste) placed in underground mine voi...
Backfill Material Selection
The process of evaluating and choosing appropriate fill material for reclamation purposes, considering factors including...
Backfill Material Selection and Placement
The process of choosing appropriate materials (waste rock, processed ore, or imported fill) and carefully placing them t...
Backfill Material Sourcing
The identification, evaluation, and procurement of suitable earth materials to fill voids, pits, and underground working...
Backfill Material Specification
The engineered selection and documentation of fill materials used to occupy excavated voids in underground mine workings...
Backfill Settlement
The gradual vertical displacement and compaction of mine backfill material over time due to weight consolidation, water...
backfilling
The process of refilling excavated areas with suitable materials to restore surface contours and provide structural stab...
Backfilling operations
The process of refilling excavated mine voids with suitable material such as waste rock, tailings, or imported fill to r...
Backhauling
The practice of transporting waste material or overburden from a reclamation site back to previously mined voids to elim...
bankfull discharge
The water flow rate when a stream reaches its maximum capacity within its channel without overflowing. This measurement...
Barrier Encapsulation
The process of covering or sealing contaminated materials with engineered barriers such as clay liners, synthetic membra...
baseline characterization
The comprehensive documentation of pre-mining environmental conditions that serves as a reference standard for measuring...
baseline conditions
The environmental state of a site before mining activities begin, used as a reference point for measuring impacts and re...
Baseline environmental assessment
A comprehensive characterization of physical, chemical, and biological conditions at an abandoned mine site before remed...
Baseline Environmental Survey
A comprehensive pre-remediation assessment documenting current soil chemistry, water quality, vegetation composition, wi...
Bench and Fill
A progressive mine reclamation technique where highwalls are cut into benches or steps, with mined material or approved...