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The use of landscape evolution models in mining rehabilitation design

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Landscape evolution models can be useful tools for the evaluation of rehabilitation designs for post-mining landscapes. When calibrated for the erodible material, landscape evolution models can predict sediment loss over entire landscapes (i.e. tonnes/hectare/year), method of erosion (i.e. slope wash, gullying) and also where on a hillslope erosion is likely to occur. The models provide the ability to examine simple hillslopes through to complex whole landscapes. These models can also be used for a probabilistic risk assessment of rehabilitation design for high-risk situations such as tailings dams. Importantly, unlike other erosion models they allow the eroded landscape to be visualised. This paper outlines the capabilities of the SIBERIA landscape evolution model for the rehabilitation of mining landscapes and proposes a probabilistic approach for risk assessment and site stability.

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Acknowledgements

This paper evolved from conversations by the author with Christoph Hinz (University of Western Australia), Rob Loch (Landloch Pty Ltd), Rory Lamont (Newmont Mining), Mike OKane (O’Kane Consultants) and Garry Willgoose (The University of Leeds, UK) while on study leave at the University of Western Australia. These discussions are gratefully acknowledged. The support of the Soil Science group at the University of Western Australia, especially Christoph Hinz, Melissa Bromly and Bob Gilkes, is gratefully appreciated.

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  1. School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, New South Wales, Australia

    G. R. Hancock

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Correspondence to G. R. Hancock.

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Hancock, G.R. The use of landscape evolution models in mining rehabilitation design. Env Geol 46, 561–573 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1030-3

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