Extracting limestone, the raw material required to produce cement, can have significant local impacts on land and communities around quarries. Effective management and well-planned rehabilitation strategies help to restore or even create values in these quarries.
In 2005, CSI members collaborated in the production of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Guidelines. The recognition that worked-out quarries can actually become an asset to communities, and the wider environment, has prompted significant work to be undertaken on improving biodiversity and amenity value through quarry rehabilitation.
2011 saw the publication of the CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation, designed to ensure that members have a common understanding of how to manage, and measure, successful quarry rehabilitation. It is expected that guidelines will become internationally adopted good practice by 2020.
Milestones of CSI's work to mitigate local impacts
2002 |
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2005 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2011 |
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2012/2013 |
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By 2020 |
Agenda for Action Defined CSI local impacts KPI's Delivered communications guidebook for cement plant managers |
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Delivered Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Guidelines |
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Set up dedicated task force on biodiversity and land stewardship |
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Updated KPIs to extend coverage on biodiversity issues |
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Delivered Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation |
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Develop Guidance for Biodiversity Management Plans Adoption of common screening tool Elaborate on Biodiversity related KPIs Review ESIA guidelines |
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CSI Guidelines on Quarry Rehabilitation become international good practice for all quarry activity |
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We have now... |
Going forward
The CSI is developing its KPIs on biodiversity, as well and producing a high-level guidance document for biodiversity management plans. Member companies are testing screening tools to identify high biodiversity value areas, where implementation of management plans will be prioritized.
To assist in mitigating the industry's impacts on the environment, CSI members want to share their experience and skills with each other and with any company involved in similar quarrying or rehabilitation activities. The CSI will continue to facilitate exchange of information and experience of biodiversity management practices, in order to map out and understand the full range of biodiversity issues, like ecosystems, water tables, wetlands restoration, etc. Hence, to identify opportunities for sustainable stewardship of land.