Advances in mining restoration

Abstract

This special issue is a compilation of studies arising from the activities of the 5‐year Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Mine Site Restoration. Research conducted by the Centre involved disciplines often overlooked or under‐resourced in the mining industry including restoration genetics, seed technology and enablement, rare species management, and restoration ecophysiology. These studies then formed the context for development of an additional focus on mining closure policy development. The programs highlight the critical importance of ensuring that the seed supply chain, plant growth media, and restoration technologies are fit‐for‐purpose, that native fauna are considered in the life‐of‐mine and, how collectively, investment in these types of programs can inform effective mine closure planning. Though Australian‐based, the principles and outcomes of the research are applicable to international mining activities operating in natural or seminatural ecosystems or regions of high biodiversity.