2 mining firms to use new soil technology for mine rehab
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allowed two mining companies to use activated biochar, a soil amendment technology, to develop agro-forestry in their host communities.
The DENR has granted authority to Marcventures Mining and Development Corp. in Surigao del Sur, and Benguet Corp. Nickel Mines Inc. in Zambales to convert agricultural waste into a soil enhancer that can hold carbon, boost food security, increase soil biodiversity and discourage deforestation.
This is in line with the new policy direction of the department to provide sustainable livelihood programs for host communities of mining operations, especially on the rehabilitation of mined-out areas for other beneficial land uses during and after mine life.
“The project is not only to comply with the requirements of final mine rehabilitation but is complementary to the com- pany’s initiatives of providing sustainable, organic and environmentally enhancing livelihood activities,” Marcventures vice chairman Isidro Alcantara said.
According to the International Biochar Initiative biochar is found in soils as a result of vegetation fires and historic soil management practices and is an important tool to increase food security and cropland diversity in areas with severely depleted soils, scarce organic resources, and inadequate water and chemical fertilizer supplies.
It also improves water quality and quantity by increasing soil retention of nutrients and agrochemicals for plant and crop utilization. The carbon present resists degradation and can hold carbon in soils for hundreds to thousands of years.
The Philippine Biochar Association (PBiA) said extensive use of biochar has proven effective in soil enhancement and environmental protection and maintenance.
The plan is to use biochar and convert mined-out lands into arable lands which can be planted to renewable cash crops which will eventually provide livelihood to the communities.
Based on the agreements, both companies will put up 50-hectare pilot farms to be started immediately in both provinces where there are plenty of organic materials like rice husk which is a key input to biochar.
PBiA estimated that each 50-hectare plot would generate about P8 million in revenues for the communities and would result in renewable and continued income-generating cash crops and species of trees.
The DENR emphasized there is a need for mine rehabilitation programs to have a continuing livelihood component and that mining companies should not wait for the end of mine life, but undertake such activities even during the mine life.