EU Green Week 2026 Webinar: From Land Use to Land Renewal – Mining Restoration Projects Showcase Nature Recovery Across Europe

The first case study, presented by Atalaya Mining, examined the geomorphic landforming restoration of the Ilmenitas Waste Rock Dump in Spain. The project demonstrated how mining waste facilities can be reshaped to integrate into the surrounding landscape while supporting future land uses and ecological recovery.

Boliden presented the restoration of the Långdal open-pit mine in northern Sweden, where parts of the Skellefteå River had previously been diverted during mining operations. Restoration efforts successfully reconnected the river to its natural course while protecting water quality. Former industrial areas and waste tips were transformed into meadows and deciduous forests, with habitat creation measures targeting species such as the white-backed woodpecker. The project involved the ongoing participation of local communities and authorities.

The third case study, presented by Eldorado Gold'sHellas Gold, focused on the large-scale rehabilitation programme at Olympias in Greece. The project involved the removal and remediation of legacy tailings, waste materials, and contaminated soils across approximately 450,000 square metres, followed by slope stabilization, soil coverage, and revegetation using local plant species. This case served as a concrete example of progressive restoration efforts along the mining life cycle.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion explored the role of European legislation, scientific knowledge, opportunities and challenges, and stakeholder cooperation in supporting successful restoration outcomes.

Professor José F. Martín Duque of the Complutense University of Madrid praised the quality of the projects presented, highlighting the Swedish case study as particularly remarkable. He noted that restoration efforts had not simply returned the river to its previous condition but had improved it beyond its original state. He also emphasised that mining remains essential for society and that European mining operations are among the most environmentally responsible in the world, and reiterated the importance of integrating the management of socio-economic indicators. Emily Ritchie of Transport and Environment noted that restoration of these sites relies heavily on local community engagement, as well as incorporating restoration into the entire life cycle of the mine, which is standard practice for European operators.

Representing the European Commission's Directorate-General for Environment, Przemysław Ogiński highlighted the role of EU environmental legislation in driving high restoration standards. He pointed to initiatives such as the Nature Restoration Regulation and noted that former mining sites often provide valuable opportunities for biodiversity recovery. He also noted that the creation of platforms where mining operators, regulators, local communities, and environmental organisations can engage in open dialogue and work together on restoration objectives should be considered in the future. Increased funding and stronger coordination between public and private financing mechanisms were also identified as important factors in enabling future projects.

The discussion also addressed the practical challenges of restoration. One recurring theme was the difficulty of obtaining suitable topsoil and native plant species. Sara Carlsén (Boliden) explained that restoration efforts frequently require imported soils and locally adapted seed mixes, both of which can be difficult to source at scale. She highlighted the importance of collaboration with local communities and authorities, and the use of indigenous and local knowledge to guide restoration planning.

Anastasia Galatsianou (Hellas Gold) described the challenges associated with rehabilitating sites containing millions of tonnes of historic waste materials. She noted that ecological recovery is inherently unpredictable and requires long-term monitoring and adaptive technology management. Panelists agreed that restoration cannot always follow a linear path and that regulatory frameworks must recognise the dynamic nature of ecological systems.

A key message emerging from the discussion was that meaningful restoration often takes decades to achieve. While policymakers and permitting authorities seek measurable outcomes, successful ecosystem recovery requires flexibility, long-term commitment, and an understanding that nature develops on timescales that frequently extend far beyond political cycles.

One aspect that emerged time and again was the importance of transparency in the operational and environmental management of mining activities in order to build public trust.

The webinar concluded with a clear message: successful mine restoration depends on science-based approaches, strong stakeholder engagement, and regulatory frameworks that support long-term environmental outcomes. The projects presented demonstrated that, with careful planning and sustained commitment, former mining sites can become valuable assets for biodiversity, local communities, and future generations. It demonstrates that European mining has impressively advanced and goes beyond regulatory compliance.