Protecting the Environment: Mines turned green in north-eastern Chinese city of Dandong

CGTN LINK

Ahead of World Environment Day, the city of Dandong in north-eastern China has taken a big step forward into a sustainable future. CGTN's reporter Zhang Siran has the story.

It's not easy to see flora and fauna at an active mine, but since 2013 this gold mine has produced over 6 tons of gold. And today, stakeholders are working for a greener future.

Lyu Xiaozhao Chifeng Gold Co-Chairman , Liaoning Wulong Gold Mining "Over the past decade, we've spent 150 million yuan to restore the ecological environment. More than 130,000 saplings in the first phase of the project have grown into forests. Trees in the second phase are blooming. Those in the third phase are still thriving. The fourth phase is up and running, as the saplings have been planted."

Thanks to technological investment, production now takes place as part of a sustainable cycle.

Lyu Xiaozhao Chifeng Gold Co-Chairman , Liaoning Wulong Gold Mining "We worked with research institutions on-site to carry out the project gradually. The environment for the neighboring residents is much better. And surface waters will no longer leak into the ground, which relieves the pressure on underground mining operations, reduces the costs of drainage and production, and improves resource utilization."

ZHANG SIRAN Dandong "The newly planted trees not only brought back life to the mines but also ecological and economic opportunities. Such re-greening operations are being implemented on many active and abandoned mines in the Dandong City area."

This once deserted silica mine has now been turned green following government support.

SHAN YUGUANG Chief, Division of Ecological Restoration Bureau of Natural Resources "Guided by President Xi Jinping's concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, this re-greening project covers around 18 hectares and is supported by provincial funds of 3.43 million yuan. Currently, the survival rate of saplings has reached more than 90 percent. Dandong just unveiled a three-year action plan to re-green abandoned mines of around 1,000 hectares from 2023 to 2025, to improve the living environment of the people and contribute to a beautiful Dandong."

Dandong's goal echoes the three-year action plan of Liaoning Province, to re-green more than 29,000 hectares of abandoned mines by 2025.

（Zhang Siran, CGTN, Dandong City）