International Affiliation of Land Reclamationists
What is IALR?
The Canadian Land Reclamation Association (CLRA) in 1974 proposed formation of an international reclamation association. The proposal failed because the American Society for Surface Mining and Reclamation (ASSMR) was the only other reclamation oriented society in the world. Individuals from the other countries were interested but they did not represent specific organizations that could affiliate with an international group.
International participation in American and Canadian reclamation conferences demonstrated a continuing worldwide interest in exchanging technical information. The establishment of REGRO, the British Land Reclamation Society and the interest displayed by the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) provided an incentive to reevaluate interest in an international association. Discussions were held at a 1990 ASSMR conference. Two conclusions resulted. There is a need to provide a medium for enhanced technical awareness of related work that is or has taken place in other countries and consideration should be given to forming an international association. An ad hoc committee and other interested individuals met in 1991. There was agreement regarding the need for an international reclamation association. An affiliation of existing professional societies was considered the best structure. Initially, this would include ASSMR, CLRA, RERO, and MCA. The International Affiliation of Land Reclamationists was adopted.
The IALR charter was revised in 1997 to provide an organizational structure that cold more effectively achieve IALR objectives. A Secretariat position was created to coordinate IALR programs and manage administrative functions. Each affiliated organization appointed a representative to serve on a Coordinating Committee.
The Chinese Land Reclamation Society (CLRA) became the fifth IALR affiliate in 1999. Two affiliates have adopted new names. REGRO became the British Land Reclamation Society (BLRS) and ASSMR is now the American Society of Mining and Reclamation (ASMR)
Australia does not have a professional society representing mined land reclamation. It was granted affiliate status in recognition of its significant reclamation achievements. The Minerals Council of Australia strongly supports IALR and contributes financially by paying the affiliation's annual assessment.