Superfund Director Discusses Mine Reclamation with Montana Tech University
Feb. 1, 2021
Dr. Raina Maier, UA SRC Center Director, was invited to speak as part of the Montana Tech Public Lecture Series. Her presentation, on January 13, 2021, was entitled “Revegetation of Mine Wastes: Lessons Learned and Stakeholder Communication” focused on issues related to extensive land disturbance that results from mineral extraction and the generation of residual mine wastes. She discussed identification of above- and below-ground metrics that correlate with vegetation establishment patterns and how her group is working to develop guidance for predicting tipping points for vegetation success or failure on mine waste sites. She also discussed translation of this research to mining companies through the University of Arizona Center for Environmentally Sustainable Mining which partners with the mining industry to enable use of these metrics for comprehensive assessment of re-vegetation strategies under diverse conditions. Following her talk, there was an hour-long discussion with students and faculty. Though virtual, tea and cookies were delivered beforehand showing the creative accommodations that are part of the human response to adversity.