Sustainable Rehabilitation of Post-Bauxite Mining Land for Albizia falcata Cultivation Using Specific Location Amelioration Technology

Abstract

Bauxite mining, catalyzed by the escalating global demand for aluminum, leads to serious environmental repercussions, necessitating the development of efficient land rehabilitation techniques. This study presents a sustainable solution for post-bauxite mining land rehabilitation by leveraging red mud waste and cow manure fertilizer. Applied in PT Antam, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan, this research examines the potential of these ameliorants to restore ecological functions and promote the growth of Albizia falcata plants. Our findings reveal a remarkable enhancement in soil pH levels and nutrient availability (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na) when applying a blend of 10% red mud and 20% cow manure fertilizer. Consequently, a significant improvement in the growth of Albizia falcata plants by factors ranging from 8 to 13 times was recorded. These results, alongside potential economic benefits, highlight the promise of this approach not to only confront the challenges posed by bauxite mining but also to contribute to global land rehabilitation strategies. While this study provides substantial insights, it recommends further exploration of this method involving diverse plant species, treatments with different ameliorants, and a broader range of observed variables. The study underscores the critical role of government intervention through stringent regulations and the need for a more comprehensive environmental and cost-benefit analysis to foster sustainable mining practices and responsible land rehabilitation.

The role of red mud and cow manure for sustainable post-gold mining land rehabilitation

“…Rehabilitation strategies subsequent to mining activities are critically vital for the reinstatement of ecological processes, preventing further environmental deterioration, adhering to legal stipulations, and advancing sustainable environmental preservation (Eldridge et al, 2022;Mentis, 2020). The methodologies adopted advocate for the reversion of gold mining locales to their initial state, revitalizing soil productivity, and recalibrating hydrological and nutrient dynamics (Suswati & Denashurya, 2023;Worlanyo & Jiangfeng, 2021).…”

“…Red mud residue, an aftermath of the bauxite ore refinement yielding alumina, demonstrates an amplified capacity to elevate soil pH and intensify nutrient conservation when combined with organic substrates, specifically cow manure fertilizer (Di Carlo et al, 2019;Xu et al, 2021). Moreover, this technique bestows economic gains, fortifies food security, curtails production expenditures, spawns novel entrepreneurial avenues, and diminishes the ecological detriment resulting from inordinate limestone extraction (Suswati & Denashurya, 2023;Wang et al, 2021).…”