Reclamation of a mined-out area is highly important to communities near aggregate operations. The most acceptable method for the community, and commonly the most economical for the producer, is to plan reclamation before the aggregate is extracted. Aggregate can be mined with the final land-surface contours in mind. Equipment can be used for both mining and reclamation, and mined-out areas can be reclaimed concurrent with extraction in other parts of the operation. The primary goal of reclamation is to return the land to a beneficial use.
Residential developments are a popular use for reclaimed sites.
The natural setting provided by rock outcrops and water fulfill a demand for scenic, lake-front property. Reclaimed pits or quarries have also been converted to industrial and commercial properties, office parks, golf courses, parks and recreation areas, stormwater management, farmland, and landfills. Former quarry has been reclaimed and now provides fishing, boating, and wildlife habitat Reclamation procedures depend on the configuration and character of the mined-out area. Reclamation plans are most effective if operators and planners select a strategy that satisfies the land use needs of the community and at the same time provides an economic incentive for the operator. Many innovative actions taken to decrease environmental impacts have been conceived and voluntarily implemented by aggregate operators.