The human factor in mining reclamation

With rapid urbanization of the landscape, less space is available for wildlife habitat, agriculture, and recreation. Mineral resources (especially non-metallic construction materials) become unrecoverable due to inaccessibility caused by development and other competing land uses. Commercial or residential buildings are usually not razed to make way for greenbelts or gain access to aggregate for construction. The situation is politically charged and inefficient, not to mention expensive. With a continuing demand for the production of construction materials, including sand and gravel, crushed stone, dimension stone, and clay, economical recoverable reserves of stone are still being covered by urban encroachment or made off-limits by open space. The remaining viable aggregate resources are frequently not permitted due to vocal opposition from neighboring citizens. Mineral extraction does alter the landscape and is perceived as harmful to the environment. However, closing off access to a resource does not reduce the demand for it nor prevent changes in ecosystems. By reviewing the literature for actual and proposed reclaimed quarry sites, land planners, industry, and the public may recognize there are innovative designs in the past and present. Though some disastrous mine sites are described, attention needs to be drawn to thoughtful reclamation projects for better future management. The human perception of mining is examined for possible confusion from a historic perspective, regarding regulation, and the definition of landscape. Selected sites are examined in terms of their history, landform, design approach, and visual discernment. Only in seeing and recognizing our own visual prejudices can we hope to evaluate land use issues wisely. Figure 1. Stylized oblique aerial view, 3-D illustration of Colorado front range.