A year of collective effort, major achievements and learning to transform degraded areas into opportunities for nature and society
By Carmen Pi
Christmas this year has a special significance for the Mining and Quarry Restoration Network Association (RMC), as it marks the first anniversary of its foundation. A year full of shared efforts, significant achievements and the beginning of a journey that promises to continue transforming the landscape of mining restoration across Spain.
During this first year, the Mining and Quarry Restoration Network has carried out an intense programme of activity that has consolidated its position as a key player in mining restoration. “At the beginning of the year, we dreamed that this initiative would find support and grow little by little. To our delight, thanks to all of you, we have not only made faster progress than expected, but have also grown stronger thanks to your comments, suggestions and collaboration,” recalls Javier De la Villa Albares, president of the RMC.
Javier De la Villa Albares, president of the RMC Network, and Beatriz Olmo, technical director, at MMH2024.
For her part, Beatriz Olmo, technical director, describes this first year as “a dream come true”, stressing that the Network has succeeded in creating “a meeting and collaboration space to transform degraded areas into opportunities for nature and people”. “It has been a year full of learning, challenges and, above all, the commitment of those who believe in a more sustainable future,” she says.
A look back at the year we have experienced
One of the Network’s initiatives in 2024 was the organisation of free training webinars, providing a space to address key issues for the sector. Topics ranged from the recovery of financial guarantees in mining restoration and “A mine ends, then what?”, in collaboration with the RG group, to revegetation techniques, the role of geochemistry and land stewardship in mining restoration processes.
The in-person training was also a key pillar, with the course held in September on “Soil as the Main Element in Mining Restoration”. In turn, the technical sessions brought participants even closer to real-world experiences, such as the Euskalariado Conference held in November in Bilbao and the Andalusian Government Restoration Conference in December, in Seville.
The Network’s participation in the Euskalariado Conference.
Technical visits to flagship projects have been another example of the Network’s commitment to showcasing successful initiatives. These included a visit to the LIFE RIBERMINE project in Guadalajara, the El Lirio mining waste facility in Murcia and the experience of the LIFE CARBON2MINE project in Oviedo.
The Network has also played a prominent role in international congresses and events, strengthening its presence in key forums for the development of the sector. It took part in the 5th International Congress on Geology and Environmental Mining in Huesca, the Mining and Minerals Hall in Seville and the 14th European Conference on Ecological Restoration in Tartu, Estonia, among others. In addition, its work was showcased at events such as the International Congress on Sustainable Mining in Huelva, CONAMA2024 in Madrid and COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a leading global forum on sustainability.
The RMC Network and the LIFE TECMINE Project at the UN COP16Riyadh.
In the field of innovation, this has also been a key focus. The Network participated in the proposal under Interreg SUDOE, supported LIFE and H2020 projects and collaborated with initiatives such as TeamUP and Reforapdat (CTFC), facilitating the formation of European consortia and progress towards sustainable solutions.
On the other hand, this first year has also borne fruit in the dissemination of knowledge, an essential pillar of the Network’s mission. The publication of articles in specialist journals such as Rocas y Minerales and Montes has brought mining restoration issues to a wider audience, contributing to reflection and greater awareness of the importance of caring for and restoring our natural environment.
The Network’s impact across its digital channels has also been outstanding. During this first year, RMC publications have generated more than 156,314 impressions, reaching 23,828 people and building a social media community of more than 1,500 followers. These figures reflect not only the growing interest in the Network’s work, but also the value of building a community committed to sustainability and the restoration of our environment.
Finally, the creation of a Newsletter and the development of a collaborative platform have been fundamental in strengthening communication and joint work among our partners. These initiatives have not only made it possible to keep all members and followers informed about the Network’s activities and achievements, but have also provided a space for members to share ideas, discuss issues and collaborate in working groups dedicated to addressing technical, regulatory and socio-economic matters.
At this time of celebration, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the partners who have been part of this project from its earliest days. Without their commitment and enthusiasm, none of what we have achieved would have been possible:
ARIDOS TECNICOS, Atalaya Riotinto, Eiffage Construcción, Emerita Resources España, Holcim España, MAXAM, SODIRA ROCAS INDUSTRIALES, Grupo HUNOSA, Cinclus Soluciones S.L., Congeo Consultoría Geológica, Hidrogeológica y Ambiental, CRS Ingenieria, EVEN AMBIENTAL SL, EXEA Medio Ambiente, Ingeniería Ebro, Reforestaciones y Viveros SL, Semillas Silvestres S.L., SIEP, TEN – Tratamientos Ecológicos del Noroeste, Fundacion Centro de Estudios Ambientales del Mediterraneo. CEAM , CREAF, Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Universidad de Oviedo, Generalitat de Catalunya, Info Región de Murcia, Asociación Nacional de Empresarios Fabricantes de Áridos – ANEFA, Fundación Internacional para la Restauración de Ecosistemas FIRE, INDUROT Universidad de Oviedo, Centro Tecnológico del Mármol , Restauración Geomorfológica®, Fundacion Tormes-EB, FundacionBarredo y Gremi d’Àrids de Catalunya, Nordic Guarantee, Tecnima, Gobierno de Aragón , ASRAM y la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña who make it possible for our work to continue growing and improving every day.
We would also like to thank all the organisations that, in one way or another, are collaborating with us, including public administrations and other organisations such as Fundación Minería y Vida, AMINER, and the Cámara Oficial Minera de Galicia, with whom we have strategic agreements.
This first year has only been the beginning of a journey full of opportunities and challenges. With the support and collaboration of all our members, the Mining and Quarry Restoration Network will continue to grow, investing in training, innovation and knowledge transfer as essential pillars for the restoration of our territory.
“The challenge of continuing to improve remains, and with your help we want to achieve the dreams that brought the Network to life,” concludes De la Villa.