The Reclamation and Biodiversity Research Center at PT Freeport Indonesia, a Freeport-McMoRan Company, Supports Agricultural Programs in Papua
December 7, 2018 -The Reclamation and Biodiversity Research Center at PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) was established in 1995 as a way to restore the ecological function of the area near the operations known as the tailings deposition area. Tailings are the finely ground mineral rock that remain from the mining process after the economically valuable minerals have been removed from the ore.
The Research Center has grown over the years to explore the utilization of tailings for agricultural cultivation by improving the productivity of the soil. The Center also supports research for area farms and fisheries, as well as researching and protecting biodiversity in the PTFI work area.
The Research Center hosts farms with crops including tomatoes, chili, eggplant, cantaloupe, and mustard. There is also cattle ranching, a butterfly garden and orchards. Visitors are invited to learn about the local ecosystems and area flora and fauna. The Center offers conservation and environmental awareness programs for students, as well as team building activities and camping trips.
As part of PTFI’s commitment to reduce environmental impacts in the area surrounding its mining operation, 3.3 million plants, including 140 types of trees have been planted under the tree-planting program.
Please see the 2017 Working Toward Sustainable Development Report for more information on all of their social, economic and environmental efforts
