The Emerging Requirement for Evidence-Based Restoration Schemes in the United Kingdom

Abstract

The concept of evidence-based decision making is now being applied by local government and regulators in the consenting and restoration of surface coal mines in the UK. The objective of this paper is to discuss some of the implications for the minerals industry by using, as an example, a recent application to extend a mine in South Wales. Over the past 10 years there has been a fundamental change in the approach to strategic planning and control of development in the United Kingdom. Both have become evidence-based, meaning that a proposal should be based on and supported by researched facts, which are open to objective scrutiny. Government and local authorities have not only adopted this approach, but in several cases have reorganised and renamed functional departments to reinforce the stance. The demand for evidence of the certainty of delivery of restoration schemes is a recent manifestation. Whereas, even as recent as 2-3 years ago, the detailing of restoration would be left as a reserve planning matter and finalised during the mining operation. This seems to be no longer some authorities' approach (as detailed evidence is required before approval of planning consent is granted). This may include a range of ecosystem service matters such as: land-use and habitat extent, types, character and ecosystem service function; establishment and management details during the statutory aftercare period; milestones and timescales for achievement, and its monitoring with target indicators. While this might be expected of modern mining operations, planning authorities in implementing their evidence-based agenda are taking it further to question the certainty of delivery (by demanding evidence it can be done), a measure of the certainty and detailing of fall-back measures and outcomes. A measure of success, Areal Value Index, is suggested whereby an objective assessment and judgement of certainty of delivery might be made. Given that an evidence-based approach is now likely to be widely adopted, the industry should expect to be challenged and needs to prepare its evidence well in advance of the submission of future mining schemes.

The Selection and Operation of Earth Moving Equipment for the Rehabilitation of Functional Soil Profiles: An updating of the UK guidance

“…The Defra 2004 guidance and the Defra 2009 construction code draw attention to the need to monitor in detail all stages of the submissions and implementation of the works. This is not only beneficial for the improvement in safe working practices, selection of equipment and techniques, the development of planning policies, and the improvement of restoration outcomes, it provides evidence for the support of alternatives and improved practices, besides supporting justification for the sustainable working of further mineral reserves (Humphries, 2013). Whilst this may be difficult for the planning authorities and regulators to undertake due to spending cuts in public sector, it will be for the mineral industry to take on the challenge.…”

Case Study: Some Lessons From the Early Development of Native Forest Rehabilitation at Three Surface Mine Complexes in Australia

“…At present, the predictive criteria of vegetation structural formation, species recruitment, and replacement are obvious omissions (with respect to the rehabilitation of ecosystem function and sustainability). These matters need to be addressed wherever evidence-based restoration is applied to mine consents (Humphries, 2013b);…”