This manual has been prepared jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme, Industry and Environment (UNEP IE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It complements an earlier trainer’s package on Environmental Management of Mine Sites (UNEP IE Technical Report No. 30). The earlier report introduced in a general way some of the key environmental issues relating to mines. This present manual covers one of these in a more comprehensive manner - that of site rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is the aspect most easily perceived by regulators and the public as being deficient in mining operations. It is important that companies put emphasis on this aspect, and this in turn needs competent, trained personnel.
Trainers and training programmes often lack good educational resource material, and access to effective curricula. In order to ensure that future generations of mining professionals are able to integrate the environmental dimension into their daily work, UNEP together with other partners has been preparing resource materials for trainers in industry and at institutions. This manual is one example of such material. At the same time, trainers in countries in each region are encouraged to meet and exchange among themselves their experiences and curriculum ideas so that each programme is most closely matched to the needs of the country. This training manual is designed as an applied, hands-on guide to address the rehabilitation of disturbed land, particularly as it applies to mining lands. It is not designed to explore the theory and philosophies of rehabilitation, it is presented as a practical, factual method whereby rehabilitation techniques can be applied.
The techniques presented in this manual are the result of both research in the practical aspects of mine rehabilitation and the experience of private sector and public sector technicians as well as scientists and engineers in Canada and elsewhere. The composite exercises presented are based on actual cases, but the names and locations have been changed. Trained personnel are only part of the equation. There has to be a willingness to apply the knowledge and skills in the field. UNEP, WHO and other organisations prepare practical guidance on how companies and ministries can implement the advice into their organisational decisions through the use of environmental and health management tools, and adoption of formal environmental management systems.
