Where we work

Canada

Ecological Restoration of Mining Sites

Ecological Restoration

As of today:

10 116

Trees planted

152 000 m2

Land area restored

Establishment of an experimental plot in the Abitibi region of Quebec.
©Viridis Terra
Aerial view of a graphite mine. Quebec, Canada.
©Viridis Terra
Arid landscape before ecological restoration.
©Viridis Terra
1 year after the ecological restoration work. Signs of erosion on the slope are more faded and the vegetation is much more abundant and diverse. Chibougamau area, Quebec.
©Viridis Terra
Section of land just after the ecological restoration work.
©Viridis Terra
1 year after the ecological restoration work.
©Viridis Terra
Ecological restoration team on the field in Canada.
©Viridis Terra
Sand pit before restoration work. James Bay, Quebec.
©Viridis Terra

Restoration through
our innovative approach

Since 2019, we have successfully undertaken a variety of restoration initiatives for various mining sites across Canada, including the ecological restoration of waste rock piles, mine tailings, sand pits, and contaminated mining sites. Our expertise extends to creating agroforestry assets on mining sites after exploitation, fostering sustainable land use for the future and providing favorable habitats for fauna, supporting the re-establishment and protection of local wildlife. 

Our restoration endeavors encompass a wide spectrum of mines, including iron, gold, graphite, and copper mines. Through our innovative approach, we are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges posed by mining activities, transforming these sites into thriving ecosystems, and contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Projects

Ecological Restoration of waste rock piles

After restoration of waste rock piles.
©Viridis Terra Innovations
After restoration of waste rock piles.
Employment of a comprehensive approach that harnessed technologies such as rough & loose, tree and shrub cutting, and seedling with special out planting substrates tailored to the site conditions. Our innovative utilization of SYLVEN technology, among others, ensured remarkable success in establishing indigenous species. An essential aspect of our restoration strategy was the judicious use of resources, as we achieved restoration without the need for any organic or mineral amendments.

Ecological Restoration of Mine Tailings

R&D test plot on a mixed dump.
©Viridis Terra Innovations
R&D test plot on a mixed dump.
We implemented an innovative approach, utilizing over ten indigenous species to restore natural forest ecosystems. A key technological advancement was the development of SYLVEN, an ingenious method with a pending patent, enabling the sustainable establishment of high-density tree and shrub communities on mined waste with minimal inputs. Unlike traditional techniques, which often lead to long-term environmental liabilities for mining companies, SYLVEN offers a game-changing solution. Over three different mined sites in Canada, we have successfully applied this technology, fostering the rapid return of woody ecosystems to their original state.

Ecological Restoration of Sand Pits

Sand pit before restoration work. James Bay, Quebec.
©Viridis Terra
Sand pit before restoration work. James Bay, Quebec.
Our restoration efforts of sand pits at gold mines focused on creating favorable habitats for iconic wildlife like moose and caribou. Additionally, we undertake projects to establish wetlands, fostering a thriving ecosystem that boosts biodiversity, surpassing even undisturbed sites. By enhancing the hectare quality of the mining areas, we prioritize the establishment of diverse flora and habitats to support varied fauna. We established 10 indigenous species, leveraging cutting-edge technologies like trees and shrubs with special outplanting substrates. Our methods facilitate the rapid establishment and growth of seedlings in harsh sandy environments.

Restoration of Contaminated Mining Sites using Eco-Engineering

R&D tests on contaminated soil.
©Viridis Terra Innovations
R&D tests on contaminated soil.
On contaminated mining sites, our practices led us to develop an experimental device that validates the root behavior of native boreal species in relation to the membrane. Through meticulous trials, including the use of milkweed to support Monarch butterfly populations, we seek to strike a delicate balance between ecosystem restoration and geomembrane containment. Our research aims to identify the ideal cover type for tailings facilities' containment geomembranes. Based on these findings, we meticulously select species that effectively control vegetation and facilitate the forest ecosystem's successful succession. This approach ensures the preservation of the geomembrane's integrity while fostering biodiversity and harmonious coexistence between nature and mining operations.

Other projects

Mining pit. It is easy to distinguish the different soil horizons, including the A horizon washed red and the darker B horizon which is an area of salt and mineral accumulation typical of tropical soils.

Burkina Faso (Intl.Dev.)

International Development

Peru

Integrated Forest Landscape Restoration (IFLR®)
Aerial photo of the Sahel region, Burkina Faso. Close to gold mining.

Burkina Faso (E.R.)

Ecological Restoration
Haitian landscape.

Haiti

International Development