Enhanced biodiversity through progressive rehabilitation

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Objective

Holcim France has planned to progressively rehabilitate the site as part of the active operations with the following goals:

Full rehabilitation of the area and overall conservation of natural habitats

Increase of available fauna and flora

Context

The Altkirch cement plant was originally created for the construction of the big Alsace canal and is located in Sundgau, close to the German and Swiss borders. In 2007, Holcim modernised the plant, achieving an increased production whilst reducing its overall environmental impact. The 83 hectare quarry provides the needed raw materials (clay, limestone, and shale) to the plant.

Solutions

The mine plan incorporates progressive rehabilitation, to conserve the natural habitats with an increase of fauna and flora. Holcim has defined the site end-use and has an annual rehabilitation programme to achieve the final goal. In order to achieve biological enrichment whilst respecting local biological specificities, the area is being reforested with native species. This work is realized together with the French ONF, Office National des Forêts (National Forest Office). Monitoring programs are in place to ensure successful rehabilitation.

Results

Today, almost half of the exploited area has been completely rehabilitated and has resulted in significant biodiversity enrichment. The ONF has identified over one hundred different species on site, including several that are registered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These species include reptiles and batrachians (tail-less stout-bodied amphibians with long hind limbs for leaping) such as Yellow-Bellied Toad, aquatic birds, mammals, such as wild boar and roe deer, and insects, especially dragonflies. With mining activities still ongoing, these species live in perfect harmony with their surrounding environment.

Holcim is committed to active engagement with local communities and authorities about its operations and environmental performance. The site periodically hosts open days, where members of the community can learn about the operations, and the biodiversity conservation activities undertaken as part of the quarrying. In May 2009, Altkirch participated in the European Minerals Days weekend where different events were organized with ONF for the community and employees. Over 200 neighbours, authorities, associations and NGOs attended. Similarly, a discovery week-end was organized in July 2008. The plant’s efforts in sustainable development have been recognized and praised by the former French environmental state secretary, Mrs. Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, after visiting the site in 2007.