The article focuses particularly on degraded lands in Murmansk Oblast’, disturbed by mining operations such as the dumping of overburden and of low‐grade ore, by tailings‐ponds from smelters and concentrators, by gravel pits and quarries, and by the building power stations, roads, railways, etc. Modifications in the design and operation of such tailings ponds and quarries are suggested, to facilitate revegetation. The adoption of hydro‐seeding and concentration of efforts on areas near residential zones are recommended. Cooperation between local urban authorities and mining enterprises in the area of restoration of degraded sites is also suggested.