The future direction of pit lakes: part 1, Research needs

Abstract Pit lakes are common features of open pit mining and can present significant risks, yet also provide beneficial end use opportunities. Many processes that influence the magnitude these risks opportunities remains poorly understood, which presents a challenge to lake closure management. In this two-part manuscript, four subject matter experts from Germany, Canada, Australia, USA recommend focus areas for researchers (Part 1) strategies structurally improve practice industry regulators corporate sustainability officers 2). Part 1, we nine research areas, organized by order physico-chemical ecological complexity, where greater understanding fundamental would lead improved management reuse. Our intent is guide direction emerging future academic teams, with funding oversight government.