Approaches to Post-Mining Land Reclamation in Polish Open-Cast Lignite Mining

Abstract

The paper presents the situation regarding the reclamation of post-mining land in the case of particular lignite mines in Poland until 2012 against the background of the whole opencast mining. It discusses the process of land purchase for mining operations and its sales after reclamation. It presents the achievements of mines in the reclamation and regeneration of post-mining land as a result of which-after development processes carried out according to European standards-it now serves the inhabitants as a recreational area that increases the attractiveness of the regions.

Restoration Practices Used on Post Mining Sites and Industrial Deposits in the Czech Republic with an Example of Natural Restoration of Granodiorite Quarries and Spoil Heaps

“…Technical reclamation has been the dominant approach not only in the Czech Republic but also in the neighbouring countries e.g. in Germany (Schulz & Wiegleb, 2000), or Poland (Kasztelewicz, 2014). It has been repeatedly pointed out that technical reclamation is on most sites unnecessary because spontaneous vegetation succession acts fast and meanwhile the spoil heaps are left to stabilize before technical reclamation or mining / quarrying has shifted to a new etage or another part of mine / quarry, the process of natural succession immediately starts and vegetation cover is developing.…”

Improvement of open field development technology as a factor in the formation of quality and market value of reclaimed land

“…Polish researchers cited some cases of rehabilitation and restoration of land that "returns", while simultaneously moving the front of mining operations [10]. The importance of recultivation works is reflected in the work [11].…”

Can we enhance amphibians’ habitat restoration in the post-mining areas?

“…Although the areas under intensive mining activity are characterized by severe environment degradation, some changes caused by the human activity may lead to formation of new ecosystems strictly dependent on that activity and in some respects exceeding the value of previous ecosystems (Kasprzyk 2009 ; Kasztelewicz 2010 ; Parusel and Karkosz 2012 ). Restoration of post-mining sites may significantly contribute to local biodiversity (Prach et al 2011 ) and play an important role in protecting endangered animals and plant species and communities (Benes et al 2003 ; Tropek et al 2010 ).…”

“…Majority of abandoned surface-mined terrains in Central Europe are renovated not only into forest habitats (Korjus et al 2014 ; Pietrzykowski 2008 ) but also into aquatic ecosystems with water reservoirs created as a result of post-mining terrains reclamation (Kasprzak and Raszka 2009 ). They may become a suitable habitat for rare animal species connected with wetlands, enhancing their regional habitat conditions (Kasztelewicz 2010 ).…”