Reclamation of land damaged by open-cast mining—Methods and results

Land damaged by strip-mining can be restored to multiple and profitable use under the guidance and control of administrative bodies (district governments) on the basis of long-term planning and continuous consultations between mining firms and subsequent users. Through appropriate economic planning and collaboration, land used for open-cast or strip lignite mining can be returned to productive agriculture and forestry, thus realizing the fundamental potential uses of the area for this primary means of production. Land reclamation in the German Democratic Republic provides an example of optimum utilization of formerly derelict mining areas.