Geomorphic Perspectives on Mining Landscapes, Hazards, and Sustainability

Mining is of interest to geomorphologists because of the unique types of excavated and accumulated landforms and landscapes that are vulnerable to geomorphic hazards. Mining is extensive worldwide. It produces more sediment than paved road construction, house construction or agriculture. Mining is associated with increasing vulnerability to slope failures, erosion, floods, sedimentation, subsidence, and other geomorphic hazards. Understanding and effectively applying geomorphic principles are important for preventing or minimizing the negative effects of mining. This chapter discusses the types and history of mining operations and associated geomorphic impacts that may result in characteristic landforms and landscapes. It then describes mining-related geomorphic hazards and the nascent fields of sustainable mining and mined-land reclamation. We have much still to learn from the study of mining landscapes, with potential applications in landscape evolution, models of geomorphic hazards, reclamation, and Quaternary geology and geomorphology. Given a growing global population and expanding demands for mineral resources, the need for sustainable practices will increase and wise application of geomorphic knowledge in mined landscapes will become increasingly important.