Mining is an intensive type of land use with potential for environmental impact over a limited area.
When closure occurs, it should address both environmental and safety aspects. Mine reclamation is an ongoing program designed to restore to an acceptable state the physical, chemical and biological quality or potential of air, land and water regimes disturbed by mining. Mining companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to restore sites where they have been, or are still, involved. They have, by doing so, developed a new environmental technology industry which is now exporting expertise around the world. The illustration, at right, shows rye growing on a reclaimed waste pile from a Nova Scotia coal mine.