Reforestation at Former Sandbekk Mine in Norway
From 1916 until 1965, KRONOS mined the underground Storgangen deposit via our Sandbekk Mine located in Norway. During mining operations, rock tailings were lawfully deposited in areas near the mine, a common practice at the time.
KRONOS has implemented several measures, starting in 1973, to return areas near the mine used for mining activities to natural conditions and beneficial use. Wind catches were installed to control dust, and extensive revegetation and reforesting were performed. Plantings including many different species of trees and other flora, including 24,000 pine trees along with grain, grass, Maple, and Ash trees. A series of natural anaerobic wetlands were also constructed at lower elevations.
Today, the vegetation and tree growth cover more than 75% of these areas, which now resemble a mature forest. The area is now used as a popular outdoor area for recreation and the old ore railways that follow the Sandbekk River are also very popular for hiking and biking, especially for young families and children.