La Chanta quarry: rehabilitation as a key to Sustainability in the Aggregates sector

Challenge the practice is addressing: This practice addresses LafargeHolcims rehabilitation process of La Chanta quarry into a habitat that promotes and protects biodiversity.

Concrete practice to achieve the expected goal: The quarry is situated in an area that is mostly used for infrastructure and agriculture, which means that many animal and plant species cannot find a suitable habitat there. The habitats generated by mining, such as the vertical rocky walls and the ponds used to wash aggregates, appeared to be valuable shelters for the abundance of important species in this environment. The first restoration project was altered to preserve and promote the tremendous biodiversity that had occupied the area. Numerous restoration techniques were used to create a mosaic in very little space. To support the preservation of habitats and species that were already established on the site, significant soil movements were avoided. Modern methods were used, such as Talud Royal or GeoFluv-Natural Regrade. Additionally, revegetation was done using native species and cutting-edge methods. Additionally, in a creative and original idea, abandoned buildings were converted into shelters for bats and birds. A wetland was restored to its natural state for amphibians, insects, and birds, making it the only wetland within a 15-kilometer radius. This wetland will probably be included in the Community of Madrid's Catalogue of Wetlands.

Expected impact/goal of the practice: The goal of the restoration was to promote and protect biodiversity at the former quarry site.

Who is the target user group of the practice/intervention or implementing the practice/intervention? This practice is for companies in the extractive industries.