An Approach to Thresholds for Evaluating Post-Mining Site Reclamation

Adegbite Adeleke Adesipo, Dirk Freese, Stefan Zerbe and Gerhard Wiegleb
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Adegbite Adeleke Adesipo: Department of Soil Protection and Recultivation, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
Dirk Freese: Department of Soil Protection and Recultivation, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 6, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
Stefan Zerbe: Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Piazza Università 5, 39100 Bozen, Italy
Gerhard Wiegleb: Department of Ecology, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1, 03046 Cottbus, Germany

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: Here, a time-scale conceptual threshold model for assessing, evaluating, documenting, and monitoring post-mining sites reclamation progress was developed. It begins from initial state I 0 down to degraded state D 0 (which depends on the mining). Reclamation starts with soil reconstruction R −2 up to revegetation R −1 (red zones) to reach minimum threshold R 0 (amber zone). Beyond R 0 are green zones R 1 , R 2 , and R 3 representing soil/abiotic conditions, biological, and improved threshold, respectively. The model also identifies potential drivers, land-use options, targets, and endpoints along the threshold reclamation ladder. It is applicable to all degraded ecosystems and adoptable in national and international laws. In this approach study, we identified threshold biotic/abiotic indicators for ascertaining success from R 0 , future work focuses on measurement and ascribing of threshold values to each of the threshold stage.

Keywords: restoration; sustainability; ecological indicators; land-use options; drivers; targets; endpoints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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