From mine to ecological centre
In April 2004 Kennecott Minerals marked the opening of an environmental research centre on the site of the former Ridgeway gold mine in South Carolina, US.
Ridgeway completed production in 1999. Site reclamation centred on stabilising the tailings impoundment, removing piles of stored overburden, dismantling and disposing of process buildings and turning the open pit excavations into manmade lakes and adjoining wetlands. The administration building was renovated and the maintenance buildings were retained to provide options for future sustainable use of the site.
During reclamation site monitoring in 2001, research and educational opportunities became increasingly apparent as the wetlands took on a new life of their own, pit lake biology and water management indicators showed a natural progression towards a balanced biological community, and the tailings' vegetative cover began to mature.
Ridgeway's intention was always to seek a sustainable environmental, economic and social use for the site, rather than allowing it to return exclusively to its native state of mixed forest. Recognising the potential of the site, Kennecott Minerals entered into a long term partnership with Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy which teaches the importance of natural resources for future generations.
A non profit sustainable development environmental research and education centre, the Center for Ecological Restoration, has been created on the former mine site under the management of the science academy. The objectives are to promote a sustainable programme for economic growth at the site, balance environmental protection with education, and transfer knowledge through workshops and seminars, coupled with general public interaction. A community advisory committee helps guide decisions about programmes and the future of the centre. The reclaimed mine site received national recognition in 2005 by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management when it was awarded the Hardrock Mineral Environmental Award for outstanding accomplishments in environmental stewardship.
Plans are to construct hiking trails and boardwalks throughout the property for visitors to enjoy wetlands and wildlife.
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