Placer Mining in BC

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Reclamation

Dealing With Ground You Disturbed

After ground has been disturbed by placer mining, it generally must be reclaimed - put back into its original condition, or as close as reasonably possible.

In good practice, pits are filled or walls are broken down into stable slopes. Piles are broken down. The ground is smoothed and shaped to make it conform to its surroundings, and planted with grasses and possibly other vegetation.

To some extent, reclamation is frequently done as operations progress. While exploring, if a test pit is dug, it is filled in and grass may be planted.

Reclamation requirements vary between jurisdictions.

End of Season

At the end of a season, if a mine is to continue the next year, the required reclamation may only involve stabilizing slopes, tidying up and making the area safe.

Closing Down a Mine

When a mine is closing down, the land must generally be fully reclaimed to the satisfaction of the appropriate authorities. All equipment and facilities are removed. Pits and trenches are filled and piles are broken down as much as possible. The ground surface is reshaped. Topsoil which was originally set aside is spread and vegetation is planted.

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