Why can't you reclaim an open-pit mine?

Answer 1

An open-pit mine can be reclaimed. There are some serious issues to be dealt with, and some big bucks can be spent on them, but it can be done. And in many (if not most) instances, some form of reclamation is mandated by the governments of the states (or countries) where open-pit mines are operated.

In open-pit mining, the mining is essentially done by digging a big hole in the ground. Any overburden is set aside, and the material sought is removed and transported away. Overburden (material that is "on top" of ore) or other dirt and earth can be used to cover abandoned mines. The large pit remains, but can be "landscaped" to restore the "look" and the "natural" earthen cover that was in place before the mining began.

Once proper covering and shaping are done and the "surface" of the land is restored, about all a company has to do is deal with water runoff or groundwater penetration issues and they can walk away. There are issues with tailings and the other "left-overs" from any processing of mined material, and these are generally sorted out by geologists and geochemists. As long as any chemical treatments of materials is conducted properly, the tailings and other by-products can be covered over with "natural" material to complete the restoration.

None of the issues associated with recovering (reclaiming) an open-pit mine are easy to address. Additionally, anything we do or demand be done comes with a price tag. But with some "signed agreements" in place and a bit of oversight by bright, reasonable people who can direct the mine operator to "do right" before closing a mine down, a "good" result can be obtained. A number of open-pit operations have been closed down around the world after exhausting rich ore or material bodies, and we've seen a "clean" environmental impact report following those mine closings and remedial activities.

Answer 2

Reclaiming an open-pit mine can be challenging due to the extensive environmental damage caused by mining activities, including soil erosion, water contamination, and destruction of habitats. Restoring the site to its original state may not be feasible and could require significant resources and time. Additionally, the mine's design and depth may make it difficult to backfill and revegetate effectively.