## 4 Discussion
In this context, many past studies have reported a significant loss in vegetation carbon sequestration and sink linked to mining-induced vegetation cover loss [28; 29; 31]. The present study also exhibited a significant loss in the carbon and vegetation transpiration associated with mining-induced vegetation cover loss. As a result, it can significantly elevate atmospheric CO\({}_{2}\) and other greenhouse gases [29; 67], which may further cause a climatic or atmospheric imbalance with many negative consequences (e.g., temperature rise, rainfall pattern alteration, air pollution, etc.). The VT losses can also significantly affect the water cycle and alter precipitation patterns. The potential impacts of mining on vegetation productivity, transpiration, and other services are enormous. Hence, better planning of mining operations is of utmost importance for implementing effective rehabilitation efforts to restore vegetation and the overall ecosystem functions. This can be achieved by implementing proper regulations, monitoring, and mitigation measures. However, the status of mines reclamation or ecological restoration in closed mines across the globe is disappointing [68; 69]. In a study, [PERSON] et al. [18] also reported that the restoration of ecological conditions in eastern Indian mining regions was inferior. Only a few of the mines were observed with notable vegetation regrowth in abandoned mines. Hence, strict and adequate mines closure plans need to be formulated and implemented in abandoned mines across the globe to restore vegetation cover and post-mining land use over the mining area. Mine reclamation is a critical process with significant environmental, economic, and social benefits for local communities and the broader society. In this regard, the Indian government has initiated several policies and regulations to ensure sustainable mining practices, including the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006; Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017; and National Mineral Policy, 2019 [70]. Overall, these rules and regulations aim to ensure that mining activities in India are carried out sustainably; that mine reclamation is an integral part of the mining process. However, several global challenges remain to achieve successful mines restoration, rehabilitation, or ecological restoration. One of the main challenges is the lack of a clear legal framework and regulations that require mining companies to restore the areas they have impacted. This lack of regulation has resulted in many mining companies avoiding the costs and responsibilities of restoring the land they have exploited. Illegal mining activity and overlooking of mines closure plans are also major concerns in the context of successful mines reclamation. With the right policies, regulations, and technologies,achieving successful mines restoration and creating a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet is possible. Several emerging technologies could make mines restoration more cost-effective and efficient. These include the usage of drones and satellite data to monitor restoration progress and bioremediation techniques to ensure the progress and restoration of the mine in terms of ecology, soil, water quality, etc.