Theoretical framework and technical pathway for the integrated ecological restoration throughout the overall life cycle of mining based on NbS

Ecological restoration in mining area is a focal point and challenge in the terrestrial ecological conservation and restoration in China. Currently, ecological restoration in mining areas emphasis on natural recovery, transitioning towards a more systematic, integrated, and sustainable solution. This study synthesizes existing literature, conducts comparative analyses, and summarizes key findings to propose a holistic approach. The proposed technical framework spans the overall lifecycle of ecological restoration, covering key stages such as protection and prevention, reclamation and restoration, management and maintenance, monitoring and evaluation, and adaptive management. Initially, the integration of NbS concepts in the stages of ecological protection and prevention involves strategies such as avoidance measures, protection of crucial species, and the utilization of species collection to mitigate the ecological damage caused by mining. This integrated approach serves to enhance the self-recovery capacity of ecosystem and reduce costs. Subsequently, incorporating NbS principles into specific restoration measures, such as landform reshaping, soil reconstruction, vegetation restoration, and landscape rebuilding, stimulate the self-recovery of mine ecological systems of mimicking natural processes. This method provides scientifically sound, efficient, and sustainable restoration solutions. Moreover, incorporating NbS principles into the management and maintenance of mine ecological restoration focuses on the preservation of infrastructure, soil, vegetation, and the maintenance of ecosystem functionality. These practices align with contemporary mainstream approaches to ecosystem restoration. Lastly, conducting the overall life cycle monitoring and evaluation including the before, during and after mining processes, and the adaptive management can be applied through comparative analysis. Overall, the framework and technical pathways designed in this study provide valuable insights for advancing ecological restoration practices in the new era, ultimately contributing to the holistic protection and sustainable management of restored ecosystems in mining areas throughout its overall life cycle.