Which process involves reclaiming mined land by replacing soil and vegetation?

• A. Reforestation
• B. Rehabilitation
• C. Reclamation
• D. Restoration

Answer: (C)

Reclamation is the process of reclaiming mined land by returning it to a usable state through steps like backfilling, replacing the topsoil, reshaping the terrain, and establishing vegetation. This sequence focuses on making the site stable and protect against erosion so it can be used for future purposes such as agriculture, habitat, or development. Reforestation specifically means planting trees on land, not the full post-mining recovery. Rehabilitation aims to improve the land to a usable condition but may not restore the original soil profile or ecosystem. Restoration seeks to recreate the original, pre-disturbance ecosystem, which isn’t always feasible after mining. So reclamation best matches the described process.