The region surrounding the PT Freeport Indonesia copper and gold mine in Papua, Indonesia supports some of the world's richest plant communities. From coastal areas to the top of the Jayawijaya Mountains, the region includes mangrove forests, swamp forests, tropical rain forests, heath and montane-zone forests, and subalpine and alpine vegetation.
Hatfield Indonesia documented mangrove species distributions in the PT Freeport contract of work mining area. Permanent monitoring plots were established in areas impacted by tailing depositions, and technical guidance was provided regarding mangrove silviculture and reforestation for ecosystems impacted by mining activities.
To maintain the mangrove forests and other ecosystems, the effects of mine activities were determined, and mitigated by:
- Establishing permanent plots.
- Monitoring effects of tailing depositions on the plots.
- Providing technical guidance regarding silviculture and reforestation.
This combination of efforts ensures that that environmental, forestry and biodiversity issues are addressed, and that appropriate solutions are developed for a wide range of ecosystem problems.
