The company is expediting the restoration of mined-out areas following the depletion of mining reserves, with plans to cease operations by December 2024. The company has been mining rutile, ilmenite, and zircon, all precious minerals, since 2013, accounting for approximately 65 percent of Kenya’s mining industry by mineral output value.
The rehabilitation of mined-out areas begins by shaping the area into dunes similar to those that existed before mining, followed by shaping and topsoil spreading, manuring, and mulching to enhance soil organic matter for vegetation cover.
Land rehabilitation and reclamation are essential in restoring mined-out areas to sustainable ecological, economic, and social conditions.
Base Titanium General Manager for External Affairs Simon Wall emphasizes the importance of land rehabilitation and reclamation in ensuring safe and productive future uses after mining operations cease. The company has successfully rehabilitated over 500 hectares of land in the South and Central Dunes that have been impacted by mining.
“Our land rehabilitation and restoration efforts are essential in restoring mined-out areas to sustainable ecological, economic, and social conditions,” he said, adding that mining represents a transient use of the land.
The company has an indigenous tree nursery with over 280 indigenous plant species, which are key in the reforestation of parts of the mined-out areas. Over 800 trees from Base Titanium’s nursery have been planted in the mined-out areas to improve biodiversity and return the land to what it used to be or even better before mining operations started in 2013.
“For us, environmental restoration is a key priority, and we are committed to restoring the mined-out sites, ensuring they support biodiversity and sustainable use for future generations,” he said.
The tree planting exercise at the mined-out sites is part of a broader tree planting campaign launched in preparation for Kenya Navy’s 60th anniversary celebrations in December 2024.
About The Author
