The ACM team operates with the motto “over and above” even when it comes to managing mined areas. In addition to compliance with the environmental laws, we decided in 2019 to commence trials with a few different eucalyptus species planted on the mined and rehabilitated soil.
The Life after Mine project, launched in 2020, aims not only to cover the rehabilitated areas with forests but also to leave future generations of the local population with economic returns from plantation activities, as Gabon continues to have a strong demand for wood-based exports.
The Life After Mine project
has two aspects – a social agro-forestry component planting eucalyptus, and two Agriculture Skill Building Farms where interested youth are trained in practical aspects of agriculture through our team of agronomists. This 7 Ha farm produces fruits and vegetables for the local Ndjolé market, intending to create self-sufficiency in fresh fruits and vegetables. As of now, more than 70 tons of fresh vegetables have been distributed to local markets at 1/3rd the price.
In extension of this, we have planned a similar farm in Oyem with the same objectives at a larger scale.
We partner with and train the local communities to engage in the production of agricultural staple foods to create self-sufficiency, as well as the plantation of commercially viable and fast-growing plantation species for the quickly expanding domestic wood market.
ACM has taken on the massive challenge of reforestation of mined areas, which are prone to soil erosion. We actively take part in the regeneration of mined areas, going one step further than the law’s requirement of allowing the land to regenerate naturally.
Since 2019, we have been studying and selecting species that are non-invasive, fast-growing, and economical. After studying more than 800 varieties, we are now working with seven feasible types of plants, and we wish to grow to more.
We plan to expand these programs soon to our other operating locations too.
Carbon sequestration – the practice of removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and storing it – is one of the many approaches being taken to tackle climate change. At ACM, we reforest mined-out areas, which would normally take more than half a century to naturally regenerate, by planting fast-growing trees. This not only helps remove carbon from the atmosphere but also helps control soil erosion.
