We are FCC Nº23

Experts in mine reclamation choose the Vallcarca quarry of the Cementos Portland Valderrivas Group as an example of a balance between exploitation and biodiversity. A group of European mining ex- perts took part this summer in the training course “New approaches in mine reclamation: linking geo- morphology with soil and vegeta- tion management”, organised by the COST Pan-European Action for Climate Adaptative Forest Res- toration. The theoretical training was complemented by practical training consisting of visits to mi- ning sites in Madrid, Guadalajara, Barcelona, Cuenca and Valencia. During the course they focused on the study of the latest advances in restoration techniques to make use of different types of organic waste, with which they form the so-called “technosoils”, used today to restore exploited mines. With this technique, reliefs similar to the original ones are recreated, which are finally covered with topsoil and sown and replanted with native species of flora. The use of technosoils in mining has become an opportunity for the circular economy, thanks to this te- chnique these materials that would otherwise not be used are put to good use. The students, together with experts from CREAF (Centre for Ecologi- cal Research and Forestry Appli- cations), also visited the Vallcarca quarry, chosen as an example of European students during the visit to the Vallcarca quarry. B U S I N E S S B U S I N E S S 16 cement