Ecological Restoration of Abandoned Mine Land

Abstract

Population expansion, changes in land use, and continuous increases in energy demand result in ecosystem vulnerability. Although mining is essential to produce energy resources, intensive surface mining activities cause land degradation and ecosystem disturbances. Ecological restoration is vital to restore the structure and functions of any degraded ecosystem. Restoration practices must emphasize a multidimensional approach to restore ecosystem attributes like soil fertility, nutrients cycling, and biodiversity that make an ecosystem self-sustainable. At the same time, we must manage our restoration efforts to achieve economies of time, energy, and cost. This chapter discusses the importance, components, and theoretical and practical progress of ecological restoration and points out some key aspects of future research in ecological restoration of abandoned mine lands along with a case study of a restored coal mine. We anticipate that future research in ecological restoration will focus on planting trees and biodiversity conservation, climate change, and sustainable use of the restored ecosystem.

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