From Mine Site to Green Space

Verum Terra Geoscience Inc. is showcasing the results of its Progressive Mine Rehabilitation Program, demonstrating how areas disturbed by exploration and mining activities can be successfully restored to productive and ecologically functional landscapes. The rehabilitation sites, located within the company’s tenement in Eastern Samar, serve as models for responsible mine closure and land restoration in the Philippines.

Rehabilitation Approach

The company’s rehabilitation strategy follows a phased approach designed to restore both ecological function and economic productivity:

• Phase 1 — Landform Recontouring: Disturbed areas are reshaped to approximate the original topography, ensuring proper drainage and slope stability
• Phase 2 — Topsoil Replacement: Stockpiled topsoil is spread over recontoured surfaces to restore the organic layer necessary for plant growth
• Phase 3 — Revegetation: A combination of fast-growing cover crops, native grasses, and pioneer tree species is planted to stabilize the soil and initiate ecological succession
• Phase 4 — Native Forest Restoration: Once pioneer species establish canopy cover, native forest tree species are interplanted to create a self-sustaining forest ecosystem
• Phase 5 — Community Integration: Where appropriate, rehabilitated areas are developed for community use, including agroforestry plots, community gardens, and recreational spaces

Results and Achievements

To date, the company has rehabilitated over 15 hectares of previously disturbed land. Key outcomes include:

• Soil erosion rates reduced by over 90% compared to pre-rehabilitation conditions
• Native vegetation cover exceeding 80% on areas rehabilitated more than two years ago
• Return of native wildlife species including birds, reptiles, and small mammals to rehabilitated zones
• Establishment of community agroforestry plots producing fruit trees, root crops, and medicinal plants
• Positive feedback from the DENR Multi-Partite Monitoring Team on rehabilitation progress

A Model for the Industry

The company’s rehabilitation program has been cited by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as a best-practice example for the Philippine mining industry. Representatives from other mining companies and government agencies have visited the rehabilitation sites to learn from Verum Terra’s approach.

The Environmental Manager stated: “Rehabilitation is not an afterthought — it is an integral part of our mining plan from day one. We believe that mining and environmental stewardship can coexist, and our rehabilitation sites are living proof of that commitment.”