RESTORING LIFE THROUGH MINE CLOSURE

Much of the work involved in mine closure and reclamation might seem to be invested in handling earth, water, and waste. But as guest Christine Daly tells host Mike O’Kane, reclamation is also about bridging the divide between engineering and biology and recognizing that successful mine closure can include “bringing something to life again.”

At least half of the LDI’s 12 principles of landform design specifically reinforce Christine’s dedication to restoring wildlife and vibrant natural lands, a passion that she buttresses with a commitment to the emerging development of co-reclamation or working cooperatively with Indigenous Peoples and local communities in achieving post-mining objectives.

Fittingly, Christine began her career in environmental sciences, which followed a childhood experiencing great wonder with the natural world. Mike and Christine also discuss elements of the Institute’s newly released guidance document on creating a design basis memorandum, a critical component of ensuring landform design and mine closure and reclamation follow a preconceived vision agreed upon by all stakeholders with an interest in the welfare of the land.

For further reading:

LDI DBM page: https://landformdesign.com/DBM

Christine Daly’s PhD thesis: https://prism.ucalgary.ca/server/api/core/bitstreams/ea8d9293-6e30-4021-aa27-189450a7f5d5/content