Reclamation methods and their outcomes in Serbian mining basins

Abstract

The reclamation plan is introduced in the early planning phase of exploitation of mineral deposits by the national Law on mining and geological research. This way the reclamation practice is joint and adapted to the excavation and ore processing technology in order to achieve more efficient, low cost and sustainable solutions. However, reclamation activities in Serbian mining basins are still considered poorly applied in practice. Non-selective deposition of overburden material, sporadically coupled with improper technical reclamation, aggravates and slows down the process of biological reclamation and the improvement of physical, chemical and biological characteristic of underlying Technosols. Besides, management of reclaimed land and further maintaining of reclaimed surfaces often remains questionable. During previous decades, although interrupted with periods of economic crisis, certain efforts have been made towards improving the reclamation practice. Short and long-termed outcomes of reclamation activities are achieved so that some examples of good practice may be displayed. This is particularly reflected in the development of ecosystem processes in artificially created ecosystems, including the development of the soil cover and the increase of biodiversity. The objective of this paper is to give a review of the reclamation methods used in practice and the outcomes of biological reclamation activities in some of the most important mining basins in Serbia, on base of which the basic guidelines and directions for the adequate management measures can be given in order to enhance the successful outcomes in future reclamation activities. Identification of relevant publications, technical reports and unpublished sources was undertaken prior to their systematic review. The results and the conclusions of relevant studies are summarized and interpreted in order to answer the research questions. Methods of reclamation in large mining basins in Serbia are described within context of ground preparation, use of artificial covers or topsoil cover, prevailing type of biological reclamation, and additional scientific researches. Agricultural and silvicultural approach to biological reclamation of mining sites largely dominates in Serbia, often being coupled with ameliorative approach. As a consequence of reclamation measures, content of nitrogen and organic matter in Technosols overly increased in reclaimed areas, and their biogenity has generally been improved. Systematic monitoring of reclaimed areas may provide information on soil and vegetation development that could significantly contribute to the quality of future reclamation activities.