Three years of research at an abandoned coal mine in Argonne, illinoise, have resulted in findings that scientists believe can help reclaim thousands of mine disposal sites that scar the coal-rich regions of the united states. in a pilot reclamation project, they tested the growth possibilities of eight species of plants in the old mine's huge pile of acidic and toxic wasted. the reseachers applied ground limestone, put a thin layer of topsoil on it, and sowed the plant seeds on the refuse, consisting of waste coal, rock, clay, and mining debris. initially, the plots were dominationed by invading annual weeds, but in the second and third growing seasons desirable grasses and other plants became well established. the scientists' fidings are believed to be the first step toward sestoring some 22,500 acres of coal refuse sites in illinois and thousands of acres in other states.