Embodying progressive reclamation beyond closure : challenging the concept of “end land use”

Mining in British Columbia is considered a temporary "use" of the Land with operators required to develop Reclamation and Closure plans that outline progressive reclamation activities to be conducted throughout the life of the mine. Progressive reclamation is typically defined approximately as "a reclamation activity undertaken concurrent with mining activities which contributes to the end land use objectives of the site" (EMLI, 2021). This paper challenges the concept of "end land use" and advocates for a shift in perspective, language, and approach around mine-affected Lands and adjacent Lands. By discounting historic relationships to the Land, and the future value of the Land, to impacted communities and Indigenous rightsholders, the term "end land use" defines an interruption in a relationship with the Land akin to before / after impacts. This neglects opportunities for integrating land stewardship into mining projects, consideration of a ‘community & social domain’ to mine closure and progressive reclamation through maintaining a relationship to the Land. This paper uses a capital ‘L’ when referring to the Land as one way to demonstrate respect to our historic and future relations with the Land. This paper presents an alternative approach to integrating land stewardship and respecting the interconnectedness of the Land throughout the mine lifecycle, going beyond the status quo, to consider the long-term legacy of the Landscape and its socioeconomic and cultural impacts.Non UBCUnreviewedOthe