SMI, UM, MGB conduct monitoring on metallophytes study
Tampakan, South Cotabato - The Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) in collaboration with the University of Mindanao (UM) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office XII recently conducted its monthly data gathering and monitoring activities as part of its 5-year study to look for potential metallophytes - plants that can survive and reproduce in soils rich in heavy metals.
The study entitled "Trial Planting of Forest Tree Species Inoculated with Mycorrhiza in SMI Copper-Gold Environment" aimed to discover potential metal hyperaccumulator trees that can be used in rehabilitation efforts of mining sites.
During the two-day data gathering activities held in January 24-25, a team of UM researchers visited the research sites in SMI's Nursery in Liberty Core Farm in Barangay Liberty, Sitio Campo 4 in Barangay Danlag, and Sitio Campo Kilot and Sitio Snip in Barangay Tablu, in the municipality Tampakan, South Cotabato.
"Isa sa mga commitments ng mga responsableng mining company, like SMI, is iyong rehabilitation. So, this research would test kung ano iyong mga tree species na masaganang maka-survive, then somehow, makatulong ito sa pag-restore sa mga madisturb na areas once matapos na ang mining activity sa isang lugar," Project Leader Charlyn T. Gorgonio explained.
A total of 1,200 seedlings of Antipolo, Balobo, Ylang-Ylang, and Subiang trees were planted in various research sites.
"So in the future, at least meron na tayong ma-identify na mga species na posibleng mag-thrive or potential na maka-survive para mapanumbalik iyong mga kagubatan," she added.
Although it is not yet operating, SMI has long been carrying out multi-sectoral partnership with its host and neighboring communities in various tree planting and forest protection activities, as part of its commitment to environmental protection.
The Company has already planted more than 1.3 million endemic, indigenous and fruit bearing trees under its own reforestation programs, since 2006. (30)
2025-02-12
