A landscape approach towards ecological restoration and sustainable development of mining areas

• Environmental and ecological problems in mining areas are analyzed.
• The approach of landscape ecology toward mine restoration is discussed.
• A comprehensive procedure in mine ecological restoration is proposed.
• The evaluation of ecosystem services is suggested.

Mining activities have caused severe environmental pollution and ecological degradation in China. The rehabilitation and ecological reconstruction of mine lands is a key problem for the sustainable development of the mining industry. However, the reclamation rate remains low and restoration is not complete in most areas in China. Based on an analysis of the main environmental problems in mining areas, the utilization of a landscape strategy and “natural” technology in ecological restoration of mine is suggested in this paper. The principles and technologies of restoration ecology and landscape ecology can be used in the process of mine restoration to improve restoration and assure long-term results. A multi-objective integration approach is proposed based on landscape planning for the conservation and wise use of mine lands through local or regional actions and cooperation with the goal of achieving sustainable development in the mining industry in China.