Restoration and Closure
The restoration of areas affected by mining is one of the most important aspects of any modern mining project. It is also an area where, historically, mining in many parts of the world was not always properly managed. In the past, many projects ended without adequate environmental restoration plans. Today, this has changed significantly. European and Spanish legislation now impose very strict requirements, making restoration planning, implementation, and monitoring mandatory from the very beginning of a project.
In modern mining, restoration is not something that only takes place at the end of a mine’s life. It is a continuous process that runs alongside all phases of the project. As certain areas are no longer used for operations, land recovery activities begin, progressively reducing the total affected area.
Biodiversity protection is also a central element of this approach. The objective is not only to restore the land, but to support the regeneration of local ecosystems and, where possible, contribute to enhancing biodiversity in the area.
The main measures planned for the San Juan Project include:
- Progressive restoration of mined areas, reducing the amount of disturbed land at any given time.
- Removal and controlled storage of topsoil prior to mining activities, for later use in land restoration.
- Reshaping of landforms and stabilization of slopes to ensure natural integration into the surrounding landscape.
- Revegetation of restored areas using native plant species, supporting the recovery of local ecosystems.
- Erosion control through vegetation recovery and appropriate drainage systems.
- Protection of habitats and local biodiversity, avoiding impacts on species or areas of high ecological value.
- Continuous environmental monitoring to track the progress of restored areas and implement corrective measures where necessary.
- Environmental surveillance programs, including regular inspections, technical reporting, and photographic records to document restoration progress.
The ultimate objective is that, once mining activities have ended, the land can be reintegrated into the landscape and regain functions compatible with the natural environment.
The San Juan Project aims to demonstrate that modern mining can be carried out responsibly, combining technological innovation, environmental respect, and close collaboration with local communities.