Kelly Doran, an Architect with Mass Design Group, discusses a new way of looking at mine reclamation, as it relates to the Athabasca Oilsands. He explains that a longer term vision is needed for the oil sands. The goal should be to plan for and create the future of city planning, geography and topography instead of simply waiting for it.
He states it is important to note that industrial operations will reshape the topography and ecology of the region - in some instances there are 50-80 meters of excavation. This provides an opportunity for long term planning to decide future landscapes from the ground up.
Doran defines 'reclamation' as achieving maintenance-free, self-sustaining ecosystems with capabilities equivalent to or better than pre-disturbance conditions. It is with this definition in mind that he explains regional plans should include how reclaimed lands will be used to help achieve beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes. There should be a priority on biodiversity, recreation and forestry. Part of the regional plans could include reclaimed lands will be used as 'Reclamation tourism', where tourists are given space and opportunity to watch and learn about reclamation efforts. As well as 'Resource tourism', where tourists can observe and learn about the resources on reclaimed land, such as wheat crops, or cattle. Reclaimed land can also be used as a continuing energy resource by installing solar panels or windmills.
This presentation was a part of the Tailings and Mine Waste Conference during November 2013.
