reclamation of lands disturbed by mining - Government of British ...

20
GOVERNMENT
More mines gives more practice (Learn from the experience of others).
I would suggest that reclamation be laid out and higher bonding be
made mandatory from day one, as far as gravel pits are concerned.
Employ more people in the Ministry to study and administer the
reclamation programme in the Province of British Columbia.
Control Mother
Nature.
Encourage Government to take responsibility for abandoned
reclamation sites and let industry be responsible for existing
operations.
God, that's a good question.'
Divide the Provincial Inspection Branch into (1) a Mine Safety
Branch, and (2) an Operations Planning Branch. The latter should
be responsible for integrating resource management on land being
used for mining purposes. It should also be regionalized to the
same degree that the safety component is currently regionalized
(i.e. need more staff).
Establish strict funding of reclamation sections by mining companies
(i.e. a per cent of gross income).
Promote the following attitudes: reclaim or maintain (mining industry
maximum success or a reasonable alternative (Government agencies).
Give the Provincial Mines Reclamation section more staff.'
Incorporate land capability into final design.
Make the mining company post a bond or security to cover 50 per cent
of the present cost of reclamation as a requirement to obtain a
mining licence.
Train the staff of the mining companies in the s k i l l of reclamation
(if I knew these s k i l l s ) .
Consider reclamation of tailings by applying topsoil.
Improve tailings disposal methods.
Have your environmentalists work in extractive industry for a while.
Proper mine planning is essential for short-term and long-range
reclamation.