What might result if the government did not require mining companies to plan ahead to restore the land after they finished?

If the government did not require mining companies to plan for land restoration, it could lead to significant environmental degradation, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination. Abandoned mining sites might remain barren and unusable for future generations, negatively impacting local ecosystems and communities. Additionally, the absence of restoration could result in long-term economic costs for taxpayers, who may have to fund cleanup efforts. Overall, neglecting land restoration could compromise both ecological health and community well-being.