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Ecological considerations in reclaiming surface mined lands

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Abstract

The opportunities for, and ecological problems of, reclaiming surfaced-mined land are reviewed. It is suggested that existing methods permit the achievement of ecologically viable goals, although further research would be beneficial. However, an ecologically improved condition will only rarely reproduce the original condition and acceptance of this philosophy will entail compromise by both ecologists and mine operators.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biology Department and University Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 24061, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA

    J. Cairns Jr.

  2. University of Michigan Biological Station, 49769, Pellston, Michigan, USA

    J. Cairns Jr.

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  1. J. Cairns Jr.
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Cairns, J. Ecological considerations in reclaiming surface mined lands. Minerals and the Environment 1, 83–89 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02001232

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02001232

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