An Exceptional GARDEN
Winner of the Imerys Sustainable Development Challenge 2008 for Environment Remediation
The restoration of the Ipoh limestone quarry in Malaysia is an integral part of its operating plan. The 54-hectare project is designed to restore the balance of flora and fauna with a focus on the site's visual appeal. Remediation will take place in several stages, the biggest being reforestation. The program began in June 2006 and should take another 8 years.
Remediation must be factored in before operations have even started. "As soon as the pit opened, we worked to keep its impact on the ecosystem to a minimum. The local community understood our commitment and is more accepting of our presence as a result," says Operations Manager Benson Liaw. "We want Ipoh to set an example to other mining sites and to highlight Imerys' sustainable development methods and strategies with the public and the media." The Ipoh quarry is divided into two zones, each with a specific type of reforestation. Low-lying terrain, as well as the entrance and access road to the site, comprised the first remediation phase. These sections, where the plants infrastructures and logistics are mostly located, were restored and planted with trees as soon as the site opened. "The original ecosystem is well on the road to recovery," confirms Project Manager David Toh.
The quarry is located on higher ground, at more than 300 meters above sea level, so these areas will not be replanted until operations end. The quarry will be remodeled as part of the program. To make slopes gentler and stabilize them against landslides and subsidence, rocks will be destroyed with explosives and the holes filled with mining waste. The soil will then be covered with earth to hold plants that will prevent erosion.
Trees, flowers and other plants are carefully chosen for their usefulness. some species are used to camouflage facilities; others create shaded areas and protection from the wind. Selected plants also help to keep erosion under control on the edges of rivers and ponds.
The choice of plants also depends on the terrain. In the zone containing the access road and entrance, palm trees are used for protection, create shade and reduce the noise from the trucks. In lower areas, flowers and fruit trees attract animals such as squirrels, macagues and all kinds of birds. "We'll plant shrubs and creepers on the rocky, poorer soil in the highest operating areas," David explains.
Local villages and schools are closely involved in the operation by contributing plants and flowers and promoting the Garden in the school bulletin. Outdoor study trips to the garden have also been planned as an extra curricular activity for the youngsters.
Appraising the impact of restoration
When planting is completed, procedures have to be set up to assess the restoration work. There are two different methods. The quantitative approach consists of comparing the vegetation in the restored zone with a nearby, non-mined zone. The qualitative method assesses the new ecosystem according to the initial restoration program and measures its success by four criteria: quality of soil, water, flora and fauna. The latter approach, used for the Ipoh remediation program, is more thorough but more demanding. It entails constantly checking, monitoring and challenging progress. Imerys Minerals Malaysia employees work to maintain the new ecosystem.
