Comparative Analysis of Ecological Restoration Methods Applied to Rehabilitate Mining Sites: A Case Study of the Fushun and Pingshuo Mining Sites in China Using Remote Sensing Techniques Between 2000 and 2024

Аннотация

This study presents a comparative analysis of ecological restoration methods employed to rehabilitate mining sites, focusing on the Fushun and Pingshuo mining areas in China. Given the significant environmental degradation which has The American Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovations 26 https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajiir and Research The American Journal of Interdisciplinary Innovations and Research resulted from the mining activities. Effective chemicals. These chemicals contaminate soil and restoration strategies are essential for enhancing water resources, hence adversely impacting human biodiversity and ecological integrity. This research health and ecosystems. evaluates changes in vegetation cover and A variety of other factors can significantly influence environmental health at both sites while employing the magnitude of these impacts. For instance, the metrics such as the Normalized Difference presence of critical ecosystems, such as biodiversity Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land cover hotspots or habitats for endangered species, may classification utilizing remote sensing techniques. heighten environmental sensitivity to mining This study addresses three primary objectives which activities. Similarly, the proximity of local are: assessing vegetation recovery post-restoration, communities can introduce additional social and analyzing soil and water quality improvements, and environmental complexities, as these populations comparing the effectiveness of various restoration may rely on local ecosystems for resources and methods. Preliminary findings indicate that while cultural practices. both sites have achieved notable vegetation In regions such as Pingshuo and Fushun, where recovery, differences in restoration techniques, mining is prevalent, the magnitude of these impacts regulatory frameworks, and environmental varies depending on factors such as the type of conditions influence outcomes. This research takes mining (which can be surface or underground), the into account the important role of remote sensing scale of operations, and the geological in monitoring restoration success and informs best characteristics of the site. practices for future ecological restoration initiatives in mining-affected regions. 2. The Concept of Ecological Restoration In response to the environmental challenges caused by mining, ecological restoration has gained Keywords: Remote Sensing, Ecological Restoration, influence as a strategy to rehabilitate disturbed NDVI, EVI, Land Use Land Cover (LULC), China, ecosystems. According to the Society for Ecological Fushun, Pingshuo. Restoration (SER), ecological restoration is defined as the process of assisting the recovery of an Introduction: ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed (SER, 2004). The goal is to restore the Background of the Study ecological integrity, enhance biodiversity, and 1. Introduction to Mining and Its Environmental improve environmental quality. These activities Impacts thereby foster the resilience of ecosystems to Mining activities play an important role in running withstand future disturbances. Restoration efforts the global economy. They provide essential can take various forms, including reforestation, soil resources such as minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. stabilization, wetland restoration and recovery, and However, the environmental impact of mining the reintroduction of the native species. The operations is significant and often irreversible. The selection of specific restoration techniques depends extraction processes result in the disruption of on the following factors: degree of degradation, the ecosystems, habitat destruction, loss of ecological context, and the goals of the restoration biodiversity, soil erosion, and water contamination. project. Successful restoration project/phase According to the United Nations Environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the Programme (UNEP), mining activities are local ecology. This includes the soil types, hydrology, responsible for significant land degradation (UNEP, and species interactions within their habitat. 2020). This poses serious challenges to the Ecological restoration not only aims at reviving the sustainability of affected regions. ecological functions but also addresses socio- Mining operations involve land clearing, excavation, economic concerns. By restoring degraded lands, and transportation, which result in the removal of communities can benefit from improved ecosystem vegetation and soil layers. This disruption alters the services. These functions include, enhanced water physical landscape and adversely affects local flora quality, increased agricultural productivity, and and fauna. The loss of habitats can lead to the recreational opportunities. Effective restoration decline or extinction of species, particularly those practices can provide employment opportunities in that are endemic to specific regions. Mining restoration activitie