MILLER, D. J., Freeport-McMoRan, New Orleans, LA

ABSTRACT: Reclamation and Surface Mining Activities

The surface mining of large tracts of land in central Florida to provide phosphate for fertilizer, combined with subsequent reclamation requirements, provide unique opportunities to establish new land forms with special environmental and other values. Freeport-McMoRan's Agrico Division has long been an industry leader in reclamation technologies and implementation and has been frequently recognized by state and national organizations. This presentation will summarize several Agrico projects of special merit in which mined lands have been reclaimed to valuable wetland systems. Unlike many wetland projects which result in isolated areas, several of the Agrico areas together form an extensive wildlife corridor along a natural floodplain. These areas include hundreds of acres of herbaceou wetlands, forested wetlands, supporting upland areas, seepage slope wetlands, lakes and open spaces. Monitoring of large numbers of animals from macro-invetebrates to fish, birds, and mammals demonstrates that the systems are providing the many essential values provided by natural wetlands and wildlife corridors. The scale of these reclaimed areas provides an excellent laboratory for the ongoing study of these kinds of human-induced ecosystems. Agrico has also pioneered the reclamation of fine clay wastes removed during the processing of phosphate ore. Impoundments of these wastes have previously required 20 to 30 years to reclaim. Agrico's techniques permit conversion to productive agricultural land, both for row crops and forage, within three to five years.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.