Technosol Evaluation for Mine Site Reclamation on the Boreal Shield

The application of Technosols manufactured from industrial waste materials for use in
mine reclamation is of interest due to the lower associated environmental and economic
costs. Long-term studies of the development of Technosols will provide information on
how the changing soil conditions will affect plant survival and growth, information critical
for determination of their utility as a site reclamation material. The ability of Technosols
to support the growth of vegetation on gold mine sites on the Canadian Shield is being
examined in order to determine if they provide a viable reclamation option following
mine closure. Technosols were manufactured from crushed mine rock and woody
residuals in fixed ratios (60:40 and 20:80) and placed on the surface of mine rock
lysimeters at 30 cm or 60 cm depths. Soil microclimate data at various depths was
monitored from late 2012 to 2015 and compared with microclimate data from both more
traditional reclamation materials, and also from a nearby natural pedon. Technosol
pore-water chemical composition and physical changes observed over the same period
are also highlighted in this study.