China reclaims coal mine lands for farming
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In Dongsheng, a district within Ordos in China’s Inner Mongolia region, authorities are converting land damaged by coal mining into farmland and greenhouses.
Minda, a large open-pit coal mine, operates near agricultural projects where vegetables grow on land previously disturbed by mining. Local officials counted 39 ecological agriculture and animal husbandry projects linked to land reclamation in Ordos by 2025, alongside other uses like solar farms.
Before planting, workers rebuild the terrain by sifting removed material to remove large stones and then layering about 60 centimeters of suitable soil. They then restore fertility using organic matter from straw and fermented manure, ensuring sufficient water for the crops. This reclamation covers approximately 933 hectares. In April 2026, reports indicated the presence of 300 greenhouses, alongside other crops and livestock operations. The recovered land also faces challenges.
While restoring land for production, authorities must address potential alterations to soil, vegetation, and water systems caused by mining. A 2025 study of mine sites in Inner Mongolia found that while reclaimed soil met agricultural standards, it had low fertility and showed cadmium as a primary ecological risk. China has standards, like GB 15618-2018, to screen and control soil contamination and set limits for pollutants in food.
