On August 7th, five great crested grebes, a nationally protected Class II species in China, made their home in the No. 715 Reclamation Area of China Energy Baorixile Energy Co,. Ltd., becoming the newest residents of this ecologically restored zone.
This 1.1 million square meter ecological restoration demonstration area was once an open-pit mine waste dump just 15 years ago. Baorixile Energy implemented a systematic ecological restoration project, transforming the mining area through a comprehensive six-step process: disposing, land shaping, soil covering, planting, irrigation and maintenance. The engineering team utilized advanced landform reconstruction techniques to reshape the originally uneven dump into terrain conducive to natural drainage and vegetation growth. For soil improvement, the company partnered with CHN Energy New Energy Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. on the Biological Carbon Sequestration and Soil Structure Reconstruction Technology Research and Demonstration project. By planting legumes like sweet clover and alfalfa and applying microalgae-based ecological carbon sequestration technology, they significantly enhanced soil structure and fertility.
Vegetation restoration efforts have been equally successful. Tailoring their approach to the local high-altitude, cold climate, the technical team meticulously selected and cultivated 7 species of shrubs and 14 species of herbaceous plants. After years of continuous planting and maintenance, vegetation now covers 100% of the area. A 30,000-square-meter artificial lake with clear water provides an ideal habitat for wildlife.
The reclaimed area has now transformed into an ecological oasis interwoven with wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. It not only attracts great crested grebes to nest but also serves as a vital habitat for over 20 species of migratory birds, including swans, grey herons and greylag geese. This remarkable transformation vividly demonstrates the possibility of harmonious coexistence between industrial civilization and natural ecology, setting a successful benchmark for ecological restoration of mines in high-altitude, cold regions.
