Malakoff Diggins is a square mile open-pit mine, created using an ecologically disastrous method called “hydraulic mining” — basically they’d squirt water against the cliffside, sift through the runoff for gold, and just let the rest wash downstream. It was closed in 1884 — as a result of the first major environmental law passed in this country, which outlawed the practice — and still looks like a bomb site. It’s a (nearly deserted) state historic park now.
Malakoff Diggins
They also did hydraulic mining at Dahlonega, Georgia, home of the largest gold mining operation east of the Mississippi. But, the hills of North Georgia have recovered to a great degree. Perhaps there is hope for this area too.