What does the term "reclamation" encompass?

The term "reclamation" specifically refers to the process of restoring land that has been disturbed or degraded, particularly by mining activities, back to a productive and useful state. This involves various efforts, including regrading the land to its natural contours, replacing topsoil, and re-establishing vegetation. The goal is to ensure that the land is not only stable and safe but can also support wildlife and recreational activities, or be used for agriculture or forestry.

Reclamation is a critical aspect of surface mining practices because it helps to mitigate the environmental impacts of mining operations and fulfills regulatory requirements. It represents the commitment to environmental stewardship by ensuring that post-mining land use is sustainable and beneficial to both the ecosystem and the community.

In contrast, surveying land for mining potential, mining for new mineral deposits, and conducting environmental assessments represent different phases or practices within the mining industry rather than aspects of the reclamation process itself. While these activities may be important to mining operations, they do not involve the restorative efforts aimed at revitalizing mined landscapes.