Pioneering Drone-Based Reforestation for Mine Rehabilitation

Hydro is the first bauxite mining company in Brazil to invest in innovation to enhance environmental rehabilitation using drones in the Amazon. For this initiative, the company partnered with MORFO to execute a pioneering forest restoration project.

Located in Paragominas, Pará, this 50-hectare project is one of MORFO's first large-scale restoration pilots, covering detailed diagnostics, planting, and monitoring through 2028. Hydro’s commitment to innovative solutions represents a significant step forward in rehabilitating mining sites, setting a benchmark in the industry.

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"This initiative will contribute to and reinforce Hydro Paragominas' rehabilitation objectives. We are constantly looking for innovative solutions on the market for the mine's initiatives, working on the sustainability of our operations through technology. Hydro Paragominas is positioning itself as the first mining company to use drones to plant native tree species in the Brazilian Amazon," said Jonilton Paschoal, Environmental Director at Hydro Paragominas.

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Restoring mined areas requires commitment and innovation, and this project has the potential to become a model for large-scale forest restoration in mining operations.

CHALLENGES

The planting areas present varying conditions due to different past land uses. Of the 50 hectares, 24 were completely barren, lacking vegetation and topsoil, requiring specific regeneration solutions. Other areas had undergone prior enrichment, allowing for the testing of different approaches to improve the establishment of native species.

One of the main challenges was recovering degraded soils, especially in areas without topsoil. Innovative strategies were applied, including cover species to improve moisture retention and targeted fertilization tests to enhance seedling establishment.

DEPLOYMENTS

The planting was carried out in two phases in 2024. The first phase, in April, covered 24 hectares, focusing on pioneer and cover species. The second phase, in December, expanded vegetation cover, completing the restoration of all 50 hectares.

Drones were used to disperse encapsulated seeds, enabling efficient terrain coverage. Additionally, experimental tests were conducted to assess fertilization strategies and species density, ensuring an optimized planting plan adapted to each microenvironment.

PROJECT MONITORING

Monitoring will be conducted annually for the first two years, with a possible extension through 2028. The analysis includes germination rates, species growth, and soil regeneration impact. Early results show positive outcomes from the encapsulated seed technology, which protects seeds and increases their establishment rates.

The next assessment will take place in July 2025, using aerial imagery and field analysis to track ecosystem recovery progress.