Sirgala is the best example for illustrating the method of open cast mining, post-mining processes and landscape formed in the oil shale surface mining area. The present study describes creating a digital map of oil shale surface mining technology and evaluating mining influences on the landscape. The data from the digital map of the Sirgala open cast show a constant increase in the overburden thickness. Stripping capacities are therefore influenced by production demand, overburden thickness and equipment capacities. Reclamation technology has reached a nature-friendly level and causes no harm, except trenches, to the landscape.
Trenches are the most changed elements of the landscape after mining.
Their depth and parameters are greater than those of most of Estonian natural lakes or rivers. Their depth of water could reach 24 m. Oil shale mines, due to shale thin horizontal bedding require special reclamation after their exhausting. Another aspect of the present study is saving information in an easily accessible form for the future. For this purpose GIS for mining is used. This study is a part of the development plan of Ida-Viru County and Estonian Oil Shale Company.