Pit lakes as an end use of mining: A review

A theoretical review of „„mining pit lakes?? indicates that, like natural lakes, such lakes display a hugediversity. they are typically in a non-equilibrium state with respect to their surroundings. while reviewingthe pit lakes, which are to be used as an end use of mine, one must consider the various related aspects suchas closure planning of mines, subsidence effect of mining and water quality. at the decommissioning phaseof mining operation, a detailed technical study is required on different aspects of such created water bodiesconsidering their morphometry, geology, hydrology, water quality (geo-chemistry), rate of filling, andbiology. pit lakes have their value as resources for miscellaneous purposes, e.g. recreation, fisheries, watersupply, and wildlife habitat, which is dependent mostly on their topography, location water use and safetycharacteristics. internationally, pit lakes, as self-sustaining aquatic ecosystems, have been developed in thepast, e.g. alberta pit lake in canada, sleeper pit lake, nevada usa and westfield pit lake, scotland. inindian mining industry neither scientific studies nor case record of mining pit lake development is availablebecause after cessation of mining operation, the mine is left to reclaim naturally and no end use of the minearea is practiced. recently, „mine closure plans? are introduced and care is taken for mine sites at their endphase scientifically. one such attempt in india at „kerendari coal mine? in jharkhand state is a laudable andnew attempt. in brief, since the opportunities for the development of „mining pit lakes? are enormous infuture, this review will be useful particularly in those countries and for those companies, which have anumber of old surface mines heading towards the decommissioning phase. the review done here can bepractically utilized for the evaluation and assessment of new project clearances and statuary compliancepurposes.