Tungsten West plc has started replacement tree planting at its tin-tungsten Hemerdon mine in Devon.
SPECIES
Many of the trees planted over the past seven years have failed to grow above the protective tubes because deer ate the saplings
Landscape contractor H2 Environmental has installed 2.5km of deer fencing and YGS Landscaping will plant 448 trees over the next three weeks.
The area covered will be on land from the eastern side of the mine to the south by Hemerdon Ball and along Ledgate Lane.
Tungsten West’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) manager Alex Dawson said the new trees and shrubs include species natural to the area including oak, elm, hazel and holly.
Once grown the trees will screen the mine from view and create a protective natural shield for the surrounding communities.
MINING IMPACT
“This new round of tree planting marks the beginning of a significant tree planting programme that Tungsten West has committed to carrying out over the course of the life of the mine, through close talks with Devon County Council,” said the company in a statement.
“In total, 42,000 trees have been planted, which will help to off-set the environmental impact of mining in the area and prepare for a time when the mine site is restored back to nature once operations have ceased.”
The company also monitors its impact on noise, air quality and water in the area and will invest in the biodiversity of the mine.
Tungsten West is accredited to ISO14001, a national certificate for environmental management systems, which allows external auditors to check environmental policies, processes and procedures.