THE SINUOUS PATH FROM QUARRY TO NATURE RESERVE AND/OR LEISURE AREAS Mineral extraction vs ecology symposium, Brussels, 2016 Nov 24 Presented by Isaac Berwouts & Koen Vos & Inez Goris

Introduction November 2015: general presentation about status ‘mineral extraction vs ecology’ for Sibelco quarries (i.e. in Belgium, UK and the Netherlands, by I. Berwouts & I. Goris) Based on the discussions and excursions a more categorised view on the topic can be implemented on some of the Sibelco quarries

Several stages during the life of a quarry/mine in which ecology can be influenced A. During excavation B. Short-term after excavation C. Long-term after excavation Quarry Winterswijk (NL): B Quarry Berg, MHZ & Opgrimbie, Maasmechelen (BE): A, B, C

Winterswijk

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2016

1935

Limestone quarry Extraction by excavator Hauling with dumper

Winterswijk – Stage B • Mine planning – Phased extraction (counter clockwise) • Make parts of quarry public (secured by fence)

Two projects for short term accessibility: • Overburden ~ hill – viewpoint • Amphitheater – nature + culture

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Winterswijk – Stage B Project 1 Hill & Lookout point

Drone image – 10m height

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Winterswijk – Stage B Project 2 Amphitheater • Nature • Culture

Winterswijk – Stage B Design in benches: • • • • •

Efficient use of overburden material Interchange between wet and dry limestone benches ~ biodiversity Maximal exposure of limestone fronts Functional role of benches as seating place for cultural events Securing of public area with fence

OVERBURDEN MATERIAL

SAND CLAY

Berg Silica sand quarries, excavated by dredge, but upper layers with loader and dumper

Located in National Park, with a NATURA 2000 label.

Maasmechelen – stage A

Projects to minimize impact on nature during excavation (i.e. stage A) - Harm reduction as much as possible - Continuous monitoring stand still principle (ensure ecological quality) supported by a good nature management All topics are followed by Flemish government

Maasmechelen – stage A • Harm reduction: e.g. noise and dust reduction, no overburden removal during spring time

Rugstreeppad – natterjack toad Oeverzwaluw – sand martin

Maasmechelen – stage A • Continuous monitoring stand still principle (ensure ecological quality) supported by a good nature management: e.g. find good new habitat for e.g. existing fauna

Veldleeuwerik Graspieper

Kwartel

Maasmechelen – Stage B

Projects to minimize impact on nature short-term after excavation (i.e. stage B) -

Start with rehabilitation works Nature management Accesibility Compensation of heath Small fens

Walking trail

Maasmechelen – Stage B/C • Human species is also part of ecology, so investing in accessibility for people and providing information on old quarries is investing in longterm acceptance for mineral extraction (e.g. quarry Berg, kikbeekbron)

Maasmechelen – Stage C

Long term after excavation: Reconstruction plan is a guidance for nature, but at the end, nature takes the project leadership Opgrimbie quarry

Boomheide – tree heath

Variation in fauna

Constructed fen

Conclusions

• Differentiation in Phase A – B – C – Applicable to all quarries/areas – Different concepts and approaches exist for each of these phases – Each quarry has its own characteristics which impacts the nature preservation project

• Sustainable mining can create opportunities for nature and biodiversity in the different phases of every quarry lifecycle