Chapter 15 TO FILL, OR NOTTO FILL: RECLAMATION AND CLOSURE CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPEN-PIT MINES

摘要

This chapter summarizes the federal and selected state regulatory requirements for backfilling in hardrock open-pit mine reclamation. The chapter compares and contrasts two regulatory approaches: (1) mandatory backfill (the California approach); and (2) a case-by-case approach applied in all other states and on federal land, with the exception of Wilderness Study Areas (WSA). Three case studies are provided, two in California and one in Montana, to illustrate the implications of. each approach for the hardrock mining industry, followed by a discussion of the advantages of maintaining flexibility in reclamation approaches. Finally, the chapter highlights the environmental and practical considerations for implementing a backfill plan.