The Mine and Quarry Restoration Network: a new and necessary platform working for the improvement of mine closures

Authors: Martín-Moreno, C; Gilabert, BO; Martínez-Ruiz, C; López-Marcos, D; Alday, JG; Oliet Pala, JA; Nicolau Ibarra, JM; de la Villa Albares, J; Guerrero Gutiérrez, A; Gil Monteso, C; Fuertes Fernández, E Download Paper Open access courtesy of:

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_15

Cite As:
Martín-Moreno, C, Gilabert, BO, Martínez-Ruiz, C, López-Marcos, D, Alday, JG, Oliet Pala, JA, Nicolau Ibarra, JM, de la Villa Albares, J, Guerrero Gutiérrez, A, Gil Monteso, C & Fuertes Fernández, E 2025, 'The Mine and Quarry Restoration Network: a new and necessary platform working for the improvement of mine closures ', in S Knutsson, AB Fourie & M Tibbett (eds), Mine Closure 2025: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Mine Closure, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-12, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_15



Abstract:
Mining is a strategic sector for economic development, technological advancements and sustaining our current lifestyle by providing essential raw materials. However, mining must rely on best practices to restore environmental impacts to avoid social opposition. This article provides an overview of the mining sector and the development of mine reclamation strategies and techniques in Spain. Spain’s geological diversity indicates the existence of a wide variety of deposits, rocks and minerals, which gives rise to a varied and important mining production industry, including critical and strategic raw materials representing approximately 1% of the gross domestic product. Current development of mining in Spain is fully aligned with European Union policies: to boost European industry; to diversify sources for the supply of critical raw materials; and to promote the circular economy. In Spain, mining restoration was not mandatory until the 1980s. Although Spain was relatively late, compared to other Western countries, in incorporating the professional, scientific and technical development of mining restoration, significant progress has been made in recent decades, particularly in research. For years, research related to mining restoration has been on par with international standards. This rapid evolution led to the formation of a multidisciplinary group organised around the Mine and Quarry Restoration Network (MQRN, or Red de Restauración de Minas y Canteras in Spanish), which was established in 2024 as a national non-profit organisation that serves as a pivotal platform for advancing reclamation practices in the mining sector. Comprising key stakeholders – namely mining companies, consultancies, academia and governments – the MQRN fosters collaboration to address the challenges associated with reclaiming mine-disturbed landscapes. Hence the main objective of this organisation is to promote efficient and sustainable reclamations that benefit communities and the environment, integrating science, management and previous experiences. Many challenges lie ahead and meeting them will require promoting research and innovation in restoration techniques, supporting companies in the transition to more responsible mining, and strengthening the role of public institutions to lead and integrate these advances in environmental and mining regulations.

Keywords: Mine and Quarry Restoration Network, mine reclamation, non-profit organisation, standards for mining reclamation

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