LAND REHABILITATION OF THE LIGNITE MINE IN MAE MOH, LAMPANG, THAILAND

Abstract

The Mae Moh mine supplies lignite to the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Since 1981 the Mae Moh Reclamation Study has attempted to identify methods of reclaiming the mined areas to return these areas to productive use. Reafforestation experiments were carried out using native and exotic species in three different land preparations: with topsoils, without topsoils and with mining residues. Reafforestation of mine tailings has been shown to be possible without topsoils, provided sufficient fertiliser is applied. The Reclamation Plan which provides for postmining end uses is described.