Reforestation of a Mining Concession

Reforestation of a Mining Concession

Miners are hardly known for their ecological sensitivity. Nevertheless the Rio de Norte Mining Company - U.S. firm Alcoa is a partner - has established an intensive reforestation program in the Brazilian rainforest. The company plants a similar mix of fruit and nut-bearing trees as in the original forest going beyond the eucalyptus-planting most mining firms in order to meet Brazilian law which requires mining companies to replace the forest they destroy. Overall, the company reinvests 10% of its dividends - about $2.2 million per year - in reforestation and forest monitoring.