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Geomorphological reclamation is a technique used to recreate the form and function of natural landscapes. By mimicking the surrounding terrain, it helps establish long-term stable landforms and reduce visual impact. It also serves to lower sediment loads caused by erosion. This approach supports more effective restoration efforts and facilitates the recovery of natural ecosystems after mining activities have ceased.

Viscaria will apply geomorphological design in the layout of its waste rock deposition and subsequent ecological reclamation. Here, we outline how the design of the northern and southern waste rock dumps at Viscaria will be developed.

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Northern waste rock dump: ~68 Mt as per the permit. 605 metres above sea level.

The northern waste rock dump is designed to store the majority of the waste rock volume from Viscaria. It is located in an area already affected by previous mining activities.

 

The northern waste rock dump seen from a helicopter view facing south.

  1. The image on the far left shows the current state of the site.
  2. The second image is a visualisation of the waste rock dump after the landform has been constructed, but before any rehabilitation work has been carried out.
  3. The final image represents the long-term vision of what the site will look like once mining operations have ended.

Southern waste rock dump: approximately 25–30 Mt according to the permit. 630 metres above sea level.

The southern waste rock dump is planned to store a smaller share of the total waste rock volume. The geomorphological design aims to minimise impact on the natural drainage network and the undisturbed terrain, including the wetland system and the stream flowing towards Unna Soahkejoki.

 

The southern waste rock dump, seen from a helicopter view facing southeast.

  1. The image on the far left shows the current appearance of the site.
  2. The second image is a visualisation of the waste rock dump after the landform has been constructed, but before rehabilitation work has been carried out.
  3. The final image illustrates the long-term vision of what the site will look like after mining operations have concluded.
Viscaria_View_2.4_Geomorphic-Contours.jpg (1)

Nature takes thousands of years to form a stable landform. The geomorphological method interprets and mimics this natural process to create long-term stable landforms in a much shorter time frame.