In advance of development of their Weda Bay nickel-laterite deposit in Halmahera, Indonesia, PT Weda Bay Nickel contracted Hatfield Indonesia to undertake a comprehensive vegetation and fauna survey covering all representatives ecosystem types found within the relevant Contract of Work. In addition, Hatfield Indonesia is assisting PT Weda Bay Nickel in establishing and monitoring permanent forest plots, which will serve as a reference point for future post-mining land rehabilitation. The permanent forest plots also serve as biodiversity conservation areas and provide a refigure for the native plants and animals.
Forest survey, permanent forest plot and land rehabilitation trial program being undertaken by Hatfield Indonesia has so far achieved the following results:
- Comprehensive flora and fauna surveys conducted within several forest ecosystem types, including lower montane, lowland alluvial, lowland ultramafic, lowland limestone, and mangrove forests;
- Quantitative vegetation and fauna analysis completed, including the identification of endemic and protected species;
- Complete herbarium specimens from the survey compiled, which included suspected newly discovered species;
- Identification of potential native species for a future land rehabilitation program;
- Recommendations developed for a future forest conservation program;
- Land rehabilitation model developed for the lower montane area which is currently being tested in the lowland areas; and
- Proposed sites for the permanent forest plots identified and work plan developed.
The intent of the related projects is to study all processes involved from the natural ecosystem characteristics to the final rehabilitation of all disturbed areas, to provide a complete model for future, large-scale mining and reclamation activities.
