Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement (Jan 1999)
Early stages of natural revegetation of metalliferous mine workings in South Central Africa: a preliminary survey
Abstract
The various types of mining sites resulting from human activities in the Katangan Copper Bow and the Zambian Copperbelt are described and a typology is presented whereby ten different situations are recognized. Performance as well as distribution of the diverse plant species observed on these sites is considered. A set of nine ecological conditions is suggested, based both upon the heavy metal content of soil as well as its state of hydration. One taxon is identified as an indicator of each condition recognized. The information presented here is a preliminary requirement for planning the revegetation of metalliferous sites within the area.
