Stone beehive – Golden Landscape in scars: Ecological Remediation of a Mining Site

In the light of current climate changes and the focus on ecology, this project examines the ways and possibilities of mine rehabilitation and remediation with the help of local characteristics of the area in numerous mines of the Radan mountain, with the aim of creating design models that would contribute to the restoration of ecological balance and land remediation. This idea is based on the assumptions that it is possible, in the case of Mount Radan, to establish a connection between seemingly incompatible concepts, mines and bees, and thereby simultaneously promote mining, as an important branch of the economy, and the significant role of beekeeping in the culture and tradition of this area, but primarily as a symbol of the living world and its return.
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Designer(s) : Ivana Todosić

University : University of Belgrade

Tutor(s) : Arch. Ivan Rašković, Desire Tilinger Research intern

Project Description

The work examines, in the light of current climate changes and the focus on ecology, the ways and possibilities of mine rehabilitation with the help of lo cal characteristics of the area in numerous mines of the Radan mountain, with the aim of creating design models that would contribute to the restoration of ecological balance and land rehabilitation. This idea is based on the assumptions that it is possible, in the case of Mount Radan, to establish a connection between seemingly incompatible concepts, mines and bees, and thereby simultaneously promote min-ing, as an important branch of the economy, and the significant role of beekeeping in the culture and tradition of this area, but primarily as a symbol of the living world and its return. Due to the exceptional pressure on Serbian ores throughout history and currently, it is necessary to start thinking about the rehabilitation of old mines, but also developing a strategy for their rehabilitation that precedes their activation in the future. To meet the planets energy and nutrient needs, design models can be testing grounds for new and renewable technologies. Rehabilitation and remediation of mining land aims to return the land to a safe, stable and productive state. Mining is actually a temporary use of land until the resources are exhausted. Mine closure therefore provides an opportunity to restore land disturbed by mining to one or more sustainable uses. A rehabilitated ecosystem or landscape can progress to a near-natu-ral, restored ecosystem. Although the mine was seen as a source of devastation, it also represents potential for further development of the area. This project examines the establishment of a self-sustaining landscape that is similar to the old one. This is not possible in almost all situations, however the development of a new and ecologically successful, albeit different, landscape is. From building holy temples, consuming honey, to respecting matter to the extent that it was not even used, already guarded and dedicated to the Gods. Based on the value of a single bee and its product, there is the possibility of creating a new environment, which is in direct connection with the already existing condition that is obtained new functions or maintaining the old ones leads to ecological rehabilitation.

By establishing some kind of stratification in the mine, starting from the surface (landscape) and the bee breeding, an explanation is set as to how their relationship can be realized in a spatial and experimental sense, where the industrial landscape, eco-tourism and wildlife are combined.

The project consists of three towers, respectively three mining shafts mine shaft 1, 2 and

  1. The towers and shafts are interconnected by paths that can be used for tourist pur-poses, a tour of the old mine and for the accommodation and sleeping of workers and visitors. Mine shaft 2 remained in its original state with the function of mining ores where nanotechnology was implemented. Mine shaft 3 is a technological center with the development of nanotechnology. Mine shaft 1 is a historical monument with a museum, medical therapies, and accommodation.

One of the ways to rehabilitate this area with the aim of improving the funcion-ing of the mine is the use of green nanotechnology with the use of honey. Green synthesis is an efficient way of producing nanomaterials that relies on low-energy processesand uses starting materials of natural orgin. This sustainable approach synthesis is equally, if not more efficient than traditional synthesis. Successful results have recently been reported in the synthesis of different nano-particle systems using active molecules that can be found in natural ones biological systems, such as bacteria, yeast, algae and fungi, and gold. Hon-ey-mediated green synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles can be used as potent antibacterial agents. By synthesizing gold nanoparticles, products can be obtained use in medicine, pharmacy, treatment of many diseases and in other applications that are still being researched.