A Comprehensive Literature Review Approach for Assessing Probable Impact of Post-reclamation Strategies Applied to Abandoned Mines

Although mine closure problems have been researched in the past, little to no research has been dedicated to the post-reclamation impacts of abandoned mine closure. Even though reclamation has been an age-old identified technique, stakeholders’ perception has played an important role in defining the implementation procedure. Therefore, this study intends to identify the various implementation procedures through a rigorous literature assessment of 112 publications, identified from various sources. Theoretical and practical complications have been identified in the fields of environmental, socio-cultural and economic impacts of mine closure. The study unveiled that the most implemented reclamation strategy was intensive and non-intensive recreation/tourism-based reclamation techniques. Thus the study paves the way for the incorporation of an interdisciplinary strategy through cooperation between various stakeholders and research fields for the long-term viability of a mining site restoration.