Core Insights - The forum on "Mine Ecological Restoration" emphasizes the importance of restoring damaged landscapes and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, aligning with the "Two Mountains" concept [3] - The event serves as a high-level platform for experts and representatives to exchange knowledge on ecological restoration practices, technological innovations, and collaborative models [3][5] Systematic Solutions - The Ministry of Natural Resources has developed a comprehensive solution for mine ecological restoration, including legal frameworks, regulatory mechanisms, and technical support [5] - The revised Mineral Resources Law establishes a dedicated chapter on ecological restoration, providing legal backing for restoration efforts [5] - A total of 68 demonstration projects have been initiated under the "14th Five-Year Plan" for historical abandoned mine restoration, covering over 1.6 million acres [5] International Perspectives - Experts from various countries, including the U.S. and China, shared the latest research and practices in mine ecological restoration, highlighting the importance of international collaboration [8] - Advanced techniques such as "Approximate Original Contour" (AOC) and local vegetation cultivation were discussed as key methods for effective restoration [9] Expert Reports - The concept of "simultaneous mining and restoration" was emphasized, showcasing its benefits in land conservation and cost control [11] - A three-phase evolution of monitoring systems for ecological restoration was presented, focusing on integrated monitoring technologies [11] Case Studies - Successful case studies from various regions illustrate the multifaceted benefits of mine ecological restoration, including improved ecosystem functions and enhanced living environments [13] - The transformation of Huzhou from a mining-dependent economy to an ecological one was highlighted, showcasing innovative practices in restoration [13] - The "Three No. Mine" in Xinjiang demonstrated a successful shift from ecological destruction to restoration, significantly boosting local tourism and employment [14] Forum Highlights - The forum gathered insights from various stakeholders, showcasing the integration of advanced technologies and collaborative governance models in ecological restoration [17] - Companies shared their experiences in implementing restoration projects, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community engagement in achieving sustainable outcomes [16][17]

Core Insights - The article highlights the successful ecological restoration efforts in the Muli mining area of Qinghai Province, led by China Coal Technology and Engineering Group's ecological environment technology company, showcasing a significant transformation from a heavily damaged landscape to a thriving ecosystem [1][2][3] Group 1: Environmental Challenges - The Muli mining area, the largest coal mining region in Qinghai, suffered severe ecological damage due to high-intensity mining and illegal coal extraction, with vegetation coverage dropping from 80% to less than 15% [2] - The area experienced significant environmental issues, including surface subsidence, wetland degradation, and the formation of "black lakes" due to open-pit mining [2][3] Group 2: Restoration Efforts - In 2020, the Qinghai provincial government halted coal mining in the Muli area and initiated comprehensive ecological restoration, focusing on the heavily impacted Jiangcang area [2][3] - An expert team led by an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering was formed to assess the ecological damage and develop restoration plans [2][3] Group 3: Innovative Restoration Techniques - The restoration plan included techniques such as slope reshaping, pit backfilling, and soil reconstruction, which were recognized by the Qinghai provincial natural resources department [3][4] - Innovative construction methods were employed to ensure the structural integrity of the mining site while facilitating ecological restoration [4] Group 4: Vegetation Recovery - Starting in 2021, the project faced the challenge of re-greening the high-altitude mining area, which had no established technology for such efforts [5] - A soil improvement plan was developed using local resources, and six suitable plant species were identified to enhance vegetation growth [5][6] Group 5: Monitoring and Results - A small weather station and soil monitoring systems were established to collect data for ongoing vegetation management and climate monitoring [6] - The restoration efforts resulted in a stable vegetation community with an average density of 14,000 plants per square meter and 89% coverage, significantly improving the area's ecological stability [6] Group 6: Economic Benefits - The improved ecological environment has led to the growth of livestock and tourism industries in the mining area, generating over 7 million yuan in direct economic benefits annually and saving over 4 million yuan in ecological restoration costs [6] - The project has been recognized as a model case for ecological restoration in mining areas and received awards for construction quality in the coal industry [6]

Group 1 - During the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, Henan discovered 31 new mineral sites and the total transaction amount for mining rights reached 29.7 billion RMB [1] - The Henan Provincial Department of Natural Resources reported that the province has released an exploration area of 16,000 square kilometers and exceeded the exploration tasks for strategic minerals such as gold, aluminum, iron, and copper [1] - Significant achievements were made in several mining projects, including the discovery of high-yield industrial oil flow in the Sanmenxia Basin, marking a major breakthrough in oil and gas exploration in the region [1] Group 2 - Henan has adopted a "mining while restoring" model to promote ecological restoration of mines and the construction of green mines, with a total of 347,000 acres of mined land restored and 218 green mines established, including 83 national-level green mines [2]

Core Viewpoint - The government aims to explore a diversified investment mechanism to accelerate the ecological restoration of historical abandoned mines and strengthen regulatory oversight of production mines' ecological restoration [1][4]. Group 1: Policy and Regulatory Framework - The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to collaborate with relevant departments to implement reforms that create a multi-faceted investment mechanism for ecological protection and restoration, integrating fiscal guidance, social capital participation, and accountability of responsible parties [1][2]. - The new amendments to the Mineral Resources Law and ecological protection laws for the Yangtze River, Yellow River, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau have incorporated ecological restoration responsibilities, enhancing local government oversight and mining rights holders' obligations [1][4]. Group 2: Financial Support and Investment - Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources has coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to allocate 14.7 billion yuan in central fiscal funds for 49 demonstration projects focused on the ecological restoration of historical abandoned mines in key regions [2]. - In 2023 and 2025, an additional 900 million yuan will be allocated for three specific ecological restoration demonstration projects in Heilongjiang [2]. Group 3: Implementation and Success Stories - A nationwide survey of mining-damaged land will be launched in July 2024 to scientifically implement ecological restoration measures and promote the comprehensive utilization of mining waste [3]. - Successful experiences in ecological restoration have been reported, such as Sichuan Province's implementation of tailored restoration strategies for individual mines, resulting in the completion of 359 geological environment protection assessments [3]. Group 4: Local Initiatives and Innovations - Gansu Province is enhancing policy, funding, and technical investments to address the historical deficits in ecological restoration, while Jiangxi Province is on track to complete the restoration of 24 key mines by the end of the year [4]. - Guizhou Province is exploring market-oriented approaches to attract social capital for ecological restoration, establishing a new mechanism that combines government guidance with market operations [4]. Group 5: Technical Standards and Support - The Ministry of Natural Resources is working to improve the national and local technical standards for mine ecological restoration, promoting advanced technologies and methods for effective restoration practices [5].

Core Viewpoint - The government aims to explore a sustainable development model focused on resource-oriented ecological restoration, with clear paths, sustained investment, and stable returns [1] Group 1: Policy and Mechanisms - The Ministry of Natural Resources plans to establish a diversified investment mechanism for ecological protection and restoration, involving fiscal guidance, social capital participation, and accountability of responsible parties [1] - Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Ministry has allocated 14.7 billion yuan in central fiscal funds for ecological restoration projects in key areas, including the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yellow River Basin [2] - New national standards for land reclamation and ecological restoration have been implemented to establish a comprehensive standard system for mine ecological restoration [2] Group 2: Regional Initiatives and Successes - Various provinces have successfully implemented ecological restoration projects, such as Sichuan's "one mine, one policy" approach and the completion of over 9,000 acres of restoration in Guang'an [5] - Gansu and Jiangxi provinces are focusing on addressing historical debts in ecological restoration, with Gansu enhancing policy and funding support, while Jiangxi aims to meet its restoration targets by the end of the year [6] - Guizhou province is exploring market-based approaches to attract social capital for ecological restoration, creating a new mechanism that combines government guidance and market operations [6] Group 3: Future Directions - The Ministry of Natural Resources will accelerate the formulation of supporting regulations for the Mineral Resources Law and strengthen supervision of ecological protection and restoration in production mines [6][7] - There is a focus on developing and promoting advanced technologies for ecological restoration, including slope management and soil reconstruction [7]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the environmental restoration efforts in Baihe County, Shaanxi, focusing on the remediation of pollution caused by abandoned sulfur iron mines, which has significantly improved local water quality and revitalized the community's economy. Group 1: Historical Context - Baihe County was historically reliant on mining, particularly sulfur iron, which led to severe environmental degradation, including the contamination of local water sources with acidic "sulfur water" [2][5][10]. - The mining practices were crude and unregulated, resulting in long-term ecological damage and health hazards for local residents [5][10][13]. Group 2: Remediation Efforts - Starting in 2000, Baihe County began shutting down all sulfur iron mining operations and initiated pollution control measures, but initial efforts were insufficient [2][24]. - A comprehensive remediation project launched in 2020 involved sealing over 200 abandoned mine shafts and disposing of more than 1 million cubic meters of mining waste [2][24]. - The project faced challenges due to the complex terrain and the need for innovative solutions, such as using a new material called KEP for sealing mine shafts [15][17]. Group 3: Results and Impact - As of mid-August this year, the length of polluted "sulfur water" has been reduced from 56 kilometers to 11.6 kilometers, with water quality consistently meeting national Class II surface water standards [24]. - The environmental improvements have facilitated economic development, leading to the establishment of 30,000 acres of ecological tea gardens and the creation of local jobs [24][28]. - The community has experienced a transformation, with residents noting significant changes in water clarity and overall environmental quality [24][28].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful implementation of ecological restoration in mining areas in Tongcheng City, Anhui Province, showcasing a model project that integrates mining activities with environmental recovery and green development [1][2]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - Tongcheng City has accelerated its ecological restoration work in mining areas, completing the restoration of 15 abandoned mines with a total area of 34.89 hectares [1]. - The city adheres to the principle of "mining while restoring and greening," transforming previously barren and damaged landscapes into vibrant green areas [1]. Group 2: Planning and Strategy - The city has developed the "Tongcheng City Land Space Ecological Restoration Plan (2022-2035)," which outlines clear goals and tasks for ecological restoration in mining areas, targeting a total restoration area of 124.47 hectares [2]. - A new mechanism for coordinated management of active and historical mining sites has been established to promote green mining practices [2]. Group 3: Innovative Approaches - Tongcheng City aims to achieve a win-win situation for economic and ecological benefits by integrating surplus sand and gravel from restoration projects into the municipal public resource trading platform for regulated sales [2]. - The city encourages the development of specialty industries such as greenhouse fruits and vegetables and edible fungi in restored mining areas, linking ecological restoration with rural industrial revitalization [2]. Group 4: Regulatory Measures - The city implements a "one mine, one policy" approach to manage geological disaster prevention, vegetation recovery, and land remediation, ensuring the sustainability of restoration outcomes [2]. - Public awareness campaigns are conducted to promote the concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," fostering a collaborative atmosphere for ecological governance [2].

Group 1 - The Haizhou open-pit mine in Fuxin, Liaoning Province, has undergone comprehensive remediation, stabilizing its slopes as part of ongoing ecological restoration efforts [1] - The mine, a key project from China's First Five-Year Plan, has produced a total of 244 million tons of coal from its opening in 1953 until its closure in 2005 due to resource depletion [1] - The mine's dimensions are approximately 3.9 kilometers in length, 1.9 kilometers in width, and 350 meters in depth, with long-term high-intensity mining leading to significant ecological and disaster-related issues [1] Group 2 - The mine's underground residual coal self-ignition has caused surface temperatures to reach 400-500 degrees Celsius, complicating remediation efforts [1] - Research teams are employing methods such as drilling and injecting carbon dioxide to reduce surface temperatures before proceeding with restoration work [1] - The Fuxin Natural Resources Bureau reported that over the past three years, 3,493 acres of land have been restored, with increasing wildlife sightings indicating ecological improvement [1] Group 3 - The Haizhou Open-Pit Mine Historical Museum reopened to the public, featuring historical artifacts including a 1960 five-yuan banknote depicting a large electric pick operation at the mine [2] - Former miner Ma Yumin, who worked at the site for 27 years, expressed optimism about the land's revival after facing geological and ecological challenges [2]

Core Viewpoint - Guizhou province has made significant progress in the ecological restoration of historical abandoned mines, having restored over 60,000 acres out of more than 80,000 acres identified as unremediated [1] Group 1: Restoration Efforts - Guizhou has implemented a comprehensive plan for the ecological restoration of historical abandoned mines, including the issuance of the "Guizhou Province Land Space Ecological Restoration Plan" and the "14th Five-Year Plan for the Ecological Restoration of Historical Abandoned Mines" [1] - The province has secured approximately 900 million yuan in special funds from central and provincial sources to support the restoration efforts [1] Group 2: Project Progress - The restoration progress has reached 80%, with specific projects such as the Miao Ling Mountain ecological restoration demonstration project covering an area of 19,400 acres [1] - The Nanbei Panjiang River Basin historical abandoned mine ecological restoration demonstration project has been recognized as a national demonstration project, marking it as the second national-level ecological restoration project in Guizhou [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the ecological restoration efforts at the Jiaoji Aluminum Mine in Sanmenxia, which has transformed from a heavily exploited mining area into a green landscape, showcasing a successful model of environmental rehabilitation and sustainable development [2][10]. Group 1: Ecological Restoration Efforts - The Jiaoji Aluminum Mine has completed significant restoration work, including filling 3.33 million cubic meters of earth, covering 456,100 square meters, and constructing 12,000 meters of drainage ditches, with a total treatment area of 1,116 acres [2]. - The mine has successfully restored 363 acres of dry land and 496 acres of tree-covered land, and has planted over 360 acres of crops, expected to yield 300,000 kilograms of grain annually [2][10]. - The restoration process involved a tailored ecological repair plan, which included transforming steep slopes into terraced steps and implementing effective drainage systems to manage rainwater [6][9]. Group 2: Challenges and Innovations - The restoration faced challenges such as the high steepness of slopes (up to 70 degrees) and low survival rates of initially planted tree species like white poplar, leading to a shift in strategy to include more resilient species like purple spire and alfalfa [8][9]. - The restoration team utilized a combination of manual labor and machinery, with 52 excavators and over 60 transport vehicles working simultaneously to achieve the restoration goals [7]. - The ecological restoration has turned the previously barren landscape into a thriving environment, with the first batch of white poplar trees reaching nearly two meters in height after two years [9][10]. Group 3: Community Impact and Future Prospects - The successful restoration has instilled confidence in the local community, with plans for villagers to return and develop tourism in the area, enhancing local economic opportunities [11]. - The article emphasizes the importance of ongoing environmental monitoring and joint enforcement efforts to ensure the sustainability of the restoration outcomes [12].