Mine landform design, conventional to geomorphic: the evolution of nature-based design for mine landform rehabilitation and closure

Authors: Martín Duque, JF; Lacy, HWB

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DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_77

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Martín Duque, JF & Lacy, HWB 2025, 'Mine landform design, conventional to geomorphic: the evolution of nature-based design for mine landform rehabilitation and closure ', 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. 1-17, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2515_77

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Abstract:
Innovative practitioners concerned with the ongoing failure, limitations and sustainability of conventional engineered mine waste landforms (waste rock, tailings and leached material) emerged in the late 20th and early 21st century with a response; hence geomorphic landform design (GLD), or geomorphic restoration (GR), was born. We record and analyse for the first time the chronological milestones and evolution of the concepts and practice of GLD, describing the rationale behind each current approach (conventional engineered, reactive and geomorphic) and what fostered the introduction of geomorphic principles in mine rehabilitation, while also providing a unique perspective on current global practice, with examples as the technique spread steadily to other regions.

Keywords: landform design, geomorphic landform design, geomorphic restoration, mine waste management, mine closure, mine engineering, social outrage, mine regulation, drainage design, water erosion, landscape replication

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