More time required for mine rehab
A one-year old mine site restoration in WA. Image: Centre for Mine Site Restoration. BY ELIZABETH FABRI TAILINGS dams are among the most ‘ecologically hostile’ by-products of mining operations yet there is currently a lack of sufficient technology to deliver timely and cost-effective restoration outcomes, according to Curtin University’s ARC Centre for Mine Site Restoration (CMSR). In its new report One giant leap for mankind: can ecopoiesis avert mine tailings disasters?, CMSR argues more time is needed to allow for adequate mine site restoration practices, with current legislation providing a short timeframe. “After a mining operation ceases, there is often less than 10 years given to adequately restore the used land back to a sustainable ecological landscape, but the time…