The sense of determining the direction of reclamation and the meaningful content of this term have been critically presented against the background of the law regulations and the mining practice. A review of reclamation directions and methods for choosing the appropriate reclamation of post-mining terrains has been conducted. The kinds of terrains after rock quarrying have been described together with their distinctive characteristics which have decisive influence on the choice of the reclamation direction. The most important conditionings for the choice of the kind of reclamation have been analysed, including economic, social and natural factors. The importance of cost optimisation of the reclamation venture have been highlighted together with the costs of infrastructure maintenance costs after the reclamation process is finished. The necessity for adjusting the reclamation process of the post-mining objects to their future functions has been justified while considering local conditions, including the demography. The difference between the social expectancies for a specific method of reclamation and the actual need resulting from the municipality’s requirements has been distinguished. Critical reference to the reclamation practice in Polish rock quarrying has been made. Attention has been paid to insufficient use of the potential of the post-mining terrains and the necessity to change this situation for the improvement of the industry’s public image in a social perception.