The effectiveness of environmental reclamation measures implemented in limestone mines is reviewed. An assessment procedure developed by Neri and Sánchez (2008) was used. This tool comprises a set of statements of good practice grouped in three categories (essential, important and accessory practices) which are assessed through (i) carrying out field technical inspections guided by a series of protocols especially designed for this purpose; (ii) classifying inspection evidences according to previously defined categories (totally applied or satisfactorily adapted, partially applied, not applied or not applicable); and (iii) calculating conformity indexes. The results showed that: planning activities featured the lowest performance (low conformity indexes), operational practices reached the most satisfactory results and management practices medium conformity indexes. A general conclusion is that in these mines, current practices are partially effective in establishing favorable conditions for long-term success of rehabilitation. Improvements in planning practices could significantly enhance performance and reduce risks.
Effectiveness; mine rehabilitation; limestone mines
