Assessment of nickel mining area and its potential for agricultural use in Palawan, Philippines
2009
Marzo, M.L.O., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines)
Overburden and mine waste management of a large and small scale nickel mining projects in Palawan [Philippines] were studied, as well as land characteristics of nickel mine sites and rehabilitation procedures to determine constraints for agricultural crops production. The main constraints to crop production in mined out lands are instability of bench terrace slopes, compact soil surface which impedes roof growth and air and water movement, low N, P, K and Ca with high Mg, resulting to nutrient deficiencies and imbalance and periodic drought due to topography. High metal concentrations were also noted. The bench terraces were however found to be wide enough to accommodate agricultural crops provided proper land development and soil amelioration measures are implemented. A general framework which considers mining as an intervention towards improving the productive capacity of the land for agricultural use was formulated. This framework considers mine rehabilitation as one component of a holistic view of the mining industry as a catalyst for development of the physical and social environment. The framework was formulated in consideration of current government policies and industry practices in mining. Specific recommendations on land development and soil amelioration were likewise proposed based on observed characteristics in the area.
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