Progressive Rehabilitation of Halle cement quarry in Korea

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Juliet Miles
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1 Cement Sustainability Initiative CSI Quarry Rehabilitation Guidelines Case Study Quarry Rehabilitation: a Lafarge experience Progressive Rehabilitation of Halle cement quarry in Korea Location and situation Lafarge Halle Cement Company (LHCC) quarry extends over 223ha and is located in near a mountainous region known as Backdudaegan Mountain System (BDMS) near Okke in Korea. Known biodiversity LHCC spent three years in developing the methodology for quarrying and restoration to minimise the impact of its operations on the BDMS, through carrying out an ESIA and consulting with local authorities and NGOs. The Backdudaegan mountains have a rich ecosystem with has a great variety of flora and fauna and are also considered to be a sacred landmark as they form the backbone of the Korean peninsula. Targets and aims LHCC working with Government officials and leading NGOs for biodiversity developed a scientific approach to determining the best methods for restoration. This consisted of several stages which included initial species selection, pilot trials, final species selection, propagation of species and final monitoring of restoration. Methods of transplanting rare plant species were also developed. To facilitate and monitor this process LHCC formed committees which consisted of both Government and NGOs. The target was to develop best practice for quarry restoration and be a model which could be followed by other quarries within Korea. Restoration activities Planting trials which followed species selection based on native species which was suited to the local conditions and promoted the conservation of rare plants. o The pilot trials for rehabilitation were conducted in a total area of 17ha to find the best applicable methods. These commended four years after initial extraction in this section of the quarry. o From the trial rehabilitation work, the best applicable methods were selected which suited the current quarry geological and climate conditions. During the pilot 7 different species planted, 3 transplanting methods were trialed and 3 seed spray trials were conducted. Page 1 of 6

Conservation of rare plants through transplanting.

o This work was carried out in close consultation with local wildlife NGOs and Government officials.

research programs for both universities and for local government.

o Three years after initial extraction a committee was formed known as the Quarry Monitoring Committee in

o This committee consists of 14 members which are made up of 7 university professors and wildlife

(representing the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forest and local government).

2 Conservation of rare plants through transplanting. o Dedicated areas were established to facilitate the transplanting and conservation of rare plants. o This work was carried out in close consultation with local wildlife NGOs and Government officials. o The transplantation area has become very popular with visitors and are used to facilitate education and research programs for both universities and for local government. Restoration monitoring by an external committee. o Three years after initial extraction a committee was formed known as the Quarry Monitoring Committee in advance of the restoration activities commencing. o This committee consists of 14 members which are made up of 7 university professors and wildlife experts, 3 representatives from NGOs a local community representative and 3 government officials (representing the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forest and local government). o The committee meets twice a year and they monitor the rehabilitation activities, the requirements of the EIA and also take part in field surveys. o This committee and the relationships that have developed with key stakeholders has facilitated open discussion on the rehabilitation process and enhanced the selection process for the best methods. Page 2 of 6

Partners Partnership with key stakeholders which include representatives from the local community, wildlife NGOs, education and local government.

During the first year of operation LHCC developed a partnership with the Baekdudaegan Conservation Society who are an environmental conservation NGO that focuses on this area.

o Citizen management program for existing forests which is setting up programs to manage on average 9.4ha every year.

3 Partners Partnership with key stakeholders which include representatives from the local community, wildlife NGOs, education and local government. Stakeholder engagement is key to successful quarry operation and restoration. This includes playing an active role in local communities. During the first year of operation LHCC developed a partnership with the Baekdudaegan Conservation Society who are an environmental conservation NGO that focuses on this area. This partnership has focused on three main projects: o Creation of new forests in the Baekdudaegan area, this project plants on average13,500 trees every year. o Citizen management program for existing forests which is setting up programs to manage on average 9.4ha every year. o The Eco-Baekdudaegan 2 + Movement which provides educational training for on average 2,500 students each year. Achievements LHCC was awarded the commendation of the Ministry of Environment in the Korean Landscape Awards in LHCC was the first cement quarry in Korea to win this prize. (Good points : trial rehabilitation, operation of transplanting site, quarry monitoring process and partnership with NGO) LHCC has been recognised by experts, environmental NGOs and government bodies as one of the leading quarry rehabilitation practices in Korea. This approach is used as a benchmark both within Korea and externally. Lessons learned To ensure good quarry operation and well managed restoration programs it is important to work closely with experts, environmental NGOs and governmental officials. To achieve this LHCC engaged with key stakeholders and involved them in the development and management of these practices. Page 3 of 6

4 Further information YongHo Choi - Public Affairs Team, yongho.choi@kr.lafarge.com Dongwook Kim - Mining Team, dongwook.kim@kr.lafarge.com Jim Rushworth Corporate Env & PA, jim.rushworth@lafarge.com Page 4 of 6

As part of the progressive restoration of Lafarge Halle cement quarry near Backdudaegan in Korea, a trial rehabilitation program was set up in 2007, which covered an area of 17ha, to determine the

The 3 year trial determined which of 7 indigenous fauna (which included grasses and trees) were best suited to the geology and climatic conditions within the quarry, what was the best planting and

5 As part of the progressive restoration of Lafarge Halle cement quarry near Backdudaegan in Korea, a trial rehabilitation program was set up in 2007, which covered an area of 17ha, to determine the best method for restoration. The 3 year trial determined which of 7 indigenous fauna (which included grasses and trees) were best suited to the geology and climatic conditions within the quarry, what was the best planting and also the best transplanting methodology. The trials have been conducted in close cooperation with local university professors, consultants, NGOs such as the Baekdudaegan Conservation Society, government officials and local residents. Each year approximately 13,500 indigenous trees are planted, the rehabilitation project is visited by 2,500 students as part of their training program and local citizens are involved in the forest management which typically covers 9ha annually. In October 2010 the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture in association with the Ministry of Environment awarded Lafarge Halle with the Landscape Architecture Grand prize for its rehabilitation and close partnerships with local NGOs. Gathering soil sample Seeds planted Page 5 of 6

6 Install regular form to check survival curve Survey blooming Survey survival rate Planting, sowing in a row, and seed spray Planting young trees Seed sprout Growing of target tree Transplanting grown trees Growing of companion tree Page 6 of 6

Water Management and Biodiversity

Group Water Management and Biodiversity Jim Rushworth - 09/07/12 Areas Covered by this Presentation: The Global Water Challenge Lafarge Approach to Water Management Biodiversity Management within Lafarge