Sustainable reclamation practices for a large surface coal mine in shortgrass prairie, semiarid environment (Wyoming, USA): case study

Abstract Sustainable reclamation practices for large surface coal mines in USA semiarid environment contribute to the quality of environmental on a long term basis where resources are protected future generation. Land, after reclamation, must be suitable previous use greatest economic or social values community area. In climate USA, non-developed land is mainly utilized crops, grazing, and wildlife. Completion various stages processes includes verification approval criteria performance standards created by state agencies. The sustainable were investigated at USA’s largest mine Wyoming. These include building post-mining topography approximate original contour reestablish stable hydrologic system drain water. All available spoil material backfilled graded achieve which closely resembles pre-mining topography. No overburden other waste left stockpiles mine. Detailed planning until end mining, knowledge volumes backfill soil necessary management practices. Diverse permanent vegetation capable stabilizing surfaces self-regeneration established. effort achieved enforcement developed federal Monthly inspections mining operations reviews annual reports submitted operator help determine if occurring according permit plan.