Mine spoil restoration: a strategy combining rainwater harvesting and adaptation to random recurrence of droughts in Rajasthan
Rajasthan presents evidence for the existence of one of the most advanced works of ancient mining and accompanied deforestation globally. Mining continues to be an important economic activity in Rajasthan. However, economic benefits of mineral extraction also accompany environmental, economic and social costs. Mine waste dumps and mined out areas viewed simply as the legacies of past may appear overwhelming environmental hazards presenting ugly picture of cultural landscape. This report briefly describe traditions of rainwater harvesting as an adaptation to climate change, provide a brief account of ancient and contemporary
mining, and propose a novel strategy for mine spoil restoration.