Management of environmental quality and Kostolac mine areas natural resources usage

Purpose - This paper aims to define and theoretically analyse the performance of modern methods investigated to speed up the recultivation process of degraded areas, and apply it into the mining basin, open pit mines, tailings and all other areas, which need environmental quality improvement. Design/methodology/approach - This paper presents methods of conservation and substitution of natural resources for the purpose of faster land recultivation (reclamation) in degraded coal mine areas. Two types of methods have been developed: forest slope recultivation and agricultural recultivation of flat landfills. Indicators of positive changes include: changes in chemical properties of tailings, increase in biogenic properties and changes in biodiversity. Findings - The research results show that the application of these methods, along with the holistic approach and adequate investment, can significantly contribute to the length of recovery process and accelerate it. Research limitations/implications - Mining basin Kostolac is used as a model test. The results can be applied on all mining basin, open pits and any degraded area. Originality/value - All results and conclusions were drawn, based on the original measurements and experiments. Stake holders, wanting to manage environmental quality after exploitation in mining basin, applying those methods, can find the value of this paper.