Eco-restoration of bauxite mining: An ecological approach

Abstract

Bauxite [Al(OH)3] is a mineral that is used for the extraction of aluminum through surface mining or opencast mining. Different forms of bauxite such as mixed bauxite, karst bauxite and European type usually occur in nature. Global estimate of bauxite deposit lies between 55 and 75 billion tones with major contribution from Africa (32%). India (7.5%) holds seventh position in terms of bauxite deposition. The total land area under bauxite mining is 30 km2 across the globe per annum. Bauxite mining has got severe negative consequences in terms of air, water and soil pollution followed by forest degradation, and change in land use is a major issue. Mainpat area of Northern Chhattisgarh is one of the areas having high bauxite store of the country. Various forms of biological reclamation technologies were adopted for eco-restoration of bauxite mined wasteland. Mixed native species support the succession. This chapter is focused on the eco-restoration practices such as natural regeneration and adoption of seeding technique on large-scale basis, and plantation of fast-growing species at micro scale level is a need for eco-restoration. Species such as Prosopis juilifllora, Pongamia pinnata and Acacia nilotica were used for eco-restoration of bauxite mined wasteland. Success of restoration depends upon continuous monitoring after post mining. Maintenance of heterogeneity is the key factor of restoration. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.