OREANDA-NEWS. July 23, 2013. Kola MMC (MMC Norilsk Nickel’s subsidiary) summed up the results of the next experimental reclamation of land subject to human impact. This time metallurgists decided to restore the soil and green cover directly at the site in Monchegorsk.

Kola MMC started systematic reclamation works in 2003. At first, the company's efforts were focused mainly in the areas adjacent to industrial facilities. The first reclamation works were carried out 3 years ago next to the operating shops – metallurgical shop and carbonyl nickel shop. And this summer grass and flowers, chamomile and polar willow-herb came up in waste areas.

"From the very beginning of the experiment, we have been bringing organic fertilizers here, pointed out Michael Shkondin, Head of Environmental Safety Unit of Kola MMC, - When the first shoots came up we distributed them throughout the territory, and now the natural process of self-seeding took its way. Of course, the main condition for the experiment’s success is that the emissions reduced significantly in recent years, for example, if in 1990, Severonikel’s emissions reached 232.5 thousand tons of sulfur dioxide, in 2012 this figure approached 33.3 thousand tons at the site in Monchegorsk. And the nature reacts in a very sensitive way".

Apart from bringing fertilizers, the company also ensures reclamation of the disturbed soil cover and greenery planting. In total, between 2003 and 2012 such work was carried out on the territory of 18.5 hectares in Pechenga region and on the territory of 81.5 hectares in Monchegorsk region. For the same period more than 1,000,000 trees and shrubs were planted at both industrial sites. The relevant expenditures amounted to about RUB 70 mln.