Field implementation of the Phytomining Demonstrator begins at the SALORO mine
By Verónica Mateos, SALORO
As part of the OPTIMINER project, SALORO and Ecocastulum have launched the field implementation of the phytomining demonstrator.
The aim of the pilot is to evaluate the adaptation and performance of Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver) across different mine waste materials under real mining site conditions, as well as to assess its potential application as a nature-based solution for the sustainable recovery and rehabilitation of mining sites.
To date, nearly 3,700 vetiver plants have been established across three experimental areas at the Barruecopardo mine (Salamanca, Spain):
TV4 Tailings Stockpile: Approximately 3,200 plants have been established on mine tailings under a scheduled sprinkler irrigation system. Initial observations show a progressive increase in the number of plants producing new shoots.
Northern Waste Dump: Approximately 150 plants are being maintained through periodic manual irrigation and have shown stable development during this initial phase.
Southern Waste Dump: Approximately 310 plants have been established without assisted irrigation, relying solely on the natural moisture available in the substrate. This area will allow us to evaluate vetiver performance under more challenging conditions and increased water stress.
The experimental design includes contrasting moisture regimes, water availability, and substrate characteristics, enabling the comparison of plant survival, growth, and adaptation under different field conditions.
Over the coming months, regular monitoring will continue, including assessments of plant survival, shoot emergence, and growth, together with the evaluation of soil physicochemical properties and, subsequently, metal concentrations in both the substrate and plant biomass.
Although the pilot is still at an early stage, its implementation represents an important step towards assessing the feasibility of nature-based solutions for the sustainable management and rehabilitation of mining sites.
