Post-mining landform configuration is rapidly
becoming an important consideration in mine planning and permitting.
Regulatory agencies and watershed management groups are becoming
increasingly concerned about landform appearances that do not blend with
the natural environment and landform functions that do not align with
environmental goals. Mine owners are increasingly concerned about a
long-term liability associated with disturbed mine land that may be
subject to accelerating rates of deterioration by erosion and salinization.
Accordingly, closure landform configurations and reclamation drainage
designs are being considered during the early stages of mine
planning. The geomorphic approach offers
guidance to mine planners. By replicating key characteristics of
natural systems, designers rely on the long-term sustainability evident in
many natural systems to ensure similar functions in the re-formed
landscape. Replicating natural systems requires a sound
understanding of surface hydrology, hydrogeology, erosion, sedimentation
and most importantly fluvial geomorphology.
This
workshop will cover the following topics:
§ Benefits
of natural landscape performance.
§
Fundamentals of geomorphic design methodology.
§ Basic
principals on geomorphology.
§ Derivation
of key design parameters.
§ Methods of
replicating natural systems.
§ Drainage
channel design by the geomorphic approach.
§ Erosion
protection of newly formed channels.
§ Analytical
methods (trial and error, and CADD solutions).
§ CADD
solutions by Carlson Software.
§ Case
histories.