Modelling realized niche of metallophyte species along copper and cobalt gradients on Katanga copper hills

Poster (2012, February 10)

In South Central Africa were identified more than 650 plant species tolerant to heavy metals, several of which endemic to Katanga and critically endangered by mining activities. These metallophyte are ... [more ▼]

In South Central Africa were identified more than 650 plant species tolerant to heavy metals, several of which endemic to Katanga and critically endangered by mining activities. These metallophyte are distributed over a hundred hills containing high copper and cobalt concentrations (20 to 10000 mg/kg for copper and 2 to 1000 mg/kg for cobalt). To understand the response of metallophyte to heavy metals, the ecological niches of 80 cupro-cobaltophytes were modeled with general additive models (GAM). Results show that (1) three groups of species were identified according to their optimum along a metal concentrations gradient and (2) a positive relationship exists between niche amplitude and optimum copper concentration. [less ▲]

Copper-Cobalt Flora Report, Oxide Project Tenke Fungurume Mining,

Report (2012)

Baseline study, impact assessment and management measures for copper-cobalt habitat

Conservation of endangered plant communities: a study case of ecosystem reconstruction in Katanga (DRC)

Conference (2011)

The Katangan copper-cobalt deposits (Democratic Republic of Congo) are part of the Central African Copperbelt, one of the world’s greatest metallogenic province. The ore comes to the surface in a series ... [more ▼]

The Katangan copper-cobalt deposits (Democratic Republic of Congo) are part of the Central African Copperbelt, one of the world’s greatest metallogenic province. The ore comes to the surface in a series of hills isolated in the miombo woodland. These unique ecosystems present high metals concentration levels where a specific vegetation develops. Flora comprises more than 600 species from which 30 are endemics. Due to the recent revival of mining activities in the region, copper plant communities of Katanga and their associated flora are now critically threatened. Tenke Fungurume Mining sarl (TFM), an important mining company operating in Katanga, has developed a Biological Diversity Action Plan (BDAP) to conserve copper-cobalt flora and mitigate potential species extinction risk. One of the most original BDAP tasks is an ecosystem reconstruction experiment that should preserve plant communities representative of the diversity found on the exploited hill and to provide the plant material for further post-exploitation restoration. From December 2007 to April 2009, full vegetation blocks were translocated with their soil mat on an adequate mineral substrate of 1500m². Since 2008, the artificial ecosystem is monitored every year. Three communities were successfully recreated. A total of 144 species were found in the ecosystem which represents more than 80% of the original species richness. The reconstructed ecosystem seems to favour the most tolerant species to copper. This first experience shows that ecosystem reconstruction is successful and may be used as a strategy to conserve copper-cobalt plant communities in their habitat. [less ▲]

Conservation et gestion des ressources de la biodiversité de la flore du cuivre

Conference (2010, October 19)

Diversité des relations sol plantes dans les écosystèmes extrémophiles et implications pour la restauration : le cas des végétations cupricoles du Katanga, RDC.

Conference (2010, March 31)

Les collines de cuivre et de cobalt du Katanga (RDC) sont des milieux isolés présentant des substrats hautement toxiques (>10.000 ppm cuivre, gradients très marqués). De ce fait, ces gisements hébergent ... [more ▼]

Les collines de cuivre et de cobalt du Katanga (RDC) sont des milieux isolés présentant des substrats hautement toxiques (>10.000 ppm cuivre, gradients très marqués). De ce fait, ces gisements hébergent des communautés végétales originales, avec une diversité d’espèces métallophytes spécialisées, en relation étroite avec la concentration en métaux du sol. La récente reprise des activités minières dans la région menace grandement ces écosystèmes. La restauration de ces communautés végétales nécessite une compréhension fine des relations entretenues avec leur environnement édaphique et la caractérisation de la diversité intra et inter sites de ces communautés. Trois gisements ont fait l’objet d’une étude détaillée sur base d’un échantillonnage systématique en fonction du gradient à priori d’ETM. Dans des placette de 1m², un échantillon composite de sols a été prélevé à deux profondeurs : 0-15 cm et 30-45 cm et analysé pour : pH, Corg, N tot, Cu, Co, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Mg, Ca et P biodisponibles. L’abondance des espèces présentes au sein des quadrats a été mesurée selon leur pourcentage de recouvrement. L’analyse en groupement et la mise en relation flore-sol par les méthodes de CCA indiquent que les sites présentent des conditions de sol et des végétations bien différenciées bien que les deux mêmes formations sont présentes. Les concentrations en cuivre sont un facteur explicatif important de la variation de la flore mais d’autres paramètres édaphiques s’avèrent également essentiels (Mg, Mn, K, Ca). Toutefois la sélection des paramètres édaphique expliquant la variation de la flore diffère d’un site à l’autre indiquant la grande diversité de ces écosystèmes et la nécessité de développer des approches de restauration spécifiques à chaque site. [less ▲]

Contribution à l’écologie de la restauration des écosystèmes cuprifères : Analyses des relations sols-communautés végétales de deux collines de cuivre du Katanga, RDC

Master's dissertation (2009)

Copper-cobalt hills in Katanga (D.R. Congo) host singular plant communities. Those are highly endangered by mining activities. The preservation of communities requires the relations with the edaphic ... [more ▼]

Copper-cobalt hills in Katanga (D.R. Congo) host singular plant communities. Those are highly endangered by mining activities. The preservation of communities requires the relations with the edaphic factors to be well understood. The study site is composed of two copper outcrops – Fungurume V and Kavifwafwaulu I – situated within the Tenke Fungurume mining claim. 84 and 43 quadrats were sampled for soils and plants covers were determined. Pedological drills descriptions completed the field work. Collected data on vegetation and soils analyzed for granulometry, pHs, bioavailables contents in Cu, Co, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Mg, Ca and P were subjected to statistical analysis to determine: (1) whether or not hills are distinct; (2) soils groups and their edaphic characteristics; (3) plant communities, their conservatory status and the edaphic factors influencing and (4) the aggregation between communities and soils groups. The results from this study indicate that (i) soils and communities are distinct from one hill to the other; (ii) five and four soils groups form continuums within the hills for the edaphic parameters; (iii) seven and five communities are split between steppe savannas and steppes/swards and are notably determined by bioavailables Cu, Co and Mg and (iv) Fungurume V presents a good aggregation between soils groups and plants communities while the situation is not as clear for Kavifwafwaulu I were communities present a pronounced overlapping. Recommendations based on soils groups are provided for the preservation of interesting plant communities. [less ▲]