Surface mine reclamation-center for energy education

Abstract

A mineral surface mine provides economic and social needs for today's society. Economically, the mineral resource provides energy which is sold to the consumer. Socially, the consumer uses the energy to make his human environment more comfortable. This in itself is not the issue raised by this thesis, rather, the concern lies in what happens to the natural environment, the vegetation, soil, water, and animal life which inhabited the area prior to being disturbed by surface mining. The question is how can society continue taking what it needs from the earth, and not destroy the environment which exists there. The answer is reclamation.Reclamation as defined by Webster's New collegiate Dictionary is "the act or process of reclaiming." Reclaiming is "to rescue from an undesirable state." Through careful reclamation, land disturbed by mining, can be returned to a similar or sometime superior state.This thesis deals with providing a reclamation plan prior to commencement of a surface mine operation. The plan involves the design of an educational facility in which people of all ages can learn about and experience the different forms of energy used in today's society.