A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

MINE: Berong Nickel Project (Berong Nickel Corporation).
LOCATION: Palawan, Region 4B, the Philippines
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Surface Nickel Mining; Direct Shipping Operation
AREA OF LEADING PRACTICE: Sustainable Development, Progressive
Rehabilitation, Re-vegetation Research Design and Practices
HANDBOOK(S) REFERENCE: Mine Rehabilitation
DESCRIPTION OF INNOVATION: Applied Rehabilitation Research,
Rehabilitation Strategies
The Berong Nickel Project (BNC) is located on the Island of Palawan, the
Philippines. BNC is firmly committed to best practice in environmental
management, with a strong emphasis on sound social responsibility. Part of
this commitment is progressive rehabilitation of the mined areas to provide
sustainable outcomes.
Historically, successful revegetation of mined nickel operations has been
difficult due to the highly leached nature of the lateritic soils in high rainfall
regions (equatorial belt) leading to nutrient deficient soils. This is further
reduced with the removal of the thin top soil layer and predominant ore body.
The type of vegetation that has grown can be considered low in value in terms
of ecological sustainability or economic return to the communities of the
region.
To determine what would provide the possible long term solution to
rehabilitation, in August 2007, BNC established a rehabilitation research
project in the first mined area– Area 4. 106 – 10mx10m research plots
were established on three benches to determine the best possible land
forms, growing mediums and species selection taking into consideration
the requirements and desires of the community post mining in terms of
alternative land use.
Based on discussions with the community, it was decided that Parra
Rubber would form the predominant species for the next, pilot stage of the
project with a mix of Narra and Agoho. The Para rubber species and other
establishment species such as Narra (high value timber used in commercial
manufacturing) and Palawan Agoho (fast growing which provides a visual
buffer) will be used in combination to provide greenways and buffers in the
design and planting strategies. Parra Rubber was found to be the sturdiest
in terms of survival and growth. The community support the establishment
of Parra Rubber as it will provide a post mining income and industry. It is
expected that the species will prosper with amelioration strategies such as
the correct fertilizer application, soil amendments and constant management
during the first 7 years of growth. It is expected that there will be a return on
investment after 7 years, so management through this stage is critical.
* contributed by: Dr Keith Halford
160 LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY