Pit lakes as an end use of mining: A review

A theoretical review of ‘mining pit lakes’ indicates that, like natural lakes, such lakes display a huge diversity. They are typically in a non-equilibrium state with respect to their surroundings. While reviewing the pit lakes, which are to be used as an end use of mine, one must consider the various related aspects such as closure planning of mines, subsidence effect of mining and water quality. At the decommissioning phase of mining operation, a detailed technical study is required on different aspects of such created water bodies considering their morphometry, geology, hydrology, water quality (geo-chemistry), rate of filling, and biology. Pit lakes have their value as resources for miscellaneous purposes, e.g. recreation, fisheries, water supply, and wildlife habitat, which is dependent mostly on their topography, location water use and safety characteristics. Internationally, pit lakes, as self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems, have been developed in the past, e.g. Alberta Pit Lake in Canada, Sleeper pit lake, Nevada USA and Westfield pit lake, Scotland. In Indian mining industry neither scientific studies nor case record of mining pit lake development is available because after cessation of mining operation, the mine is left to reclaim naturally and no end use of the mine area is practiced. Recently, ‘mine closure plans’ are introduced and care is taken for mine sites at their end phase scientifically. One such attempt in India at ‘Kerendari coal mine’ in Jharkhand state is a laudable and new attempt. In brief, since the opportunities for the development of ‘mining pit lakes’ are enormous in future, this review will be useful particularly in those countries and for those companies, which have a number of old surface mines heading towards the decommissioning phase. The review done here can be practically utilized for the evaluation and assessment of new project clearances and statuary compliance purposes.

کلیدواژه ها:

Pit Lakes ، Mining ، Coal Mining ، End Use of Mining ، Mine Closure Plan