Sampyo Cement Restores Samcheok Mine Site, Plants 20,000 Native Trees

Sampyo Resources Development is undertaking an extensive ecological restoration project at its former limestone mine in Samcheok, South Korea. The initiative focuses on re-establishing vegetation and preserving wildlife habitats on approximately 2.5 hectares of land where mining activities have ceased.

The restoration plan, approved by the Samcheok City government in October 2023, has already seen the completion of foundational work and the construction of natural drainage systems in 2024 and 2025. This year, the company will plant 20,000 saplings of 10 native tree species suited to the mine's environment, with the goal of completing the restoration by the end of the year.

Beyond planting, Sampyo Resources Development is committed to ongoing monitoring of the trees' growth and the site's stability. The company is also actively involved in conserving the habitat of the Siberian flying squirrel, a species classified as endangered. Since 2021, through its "One Company, One Endangered Species Habitat Restoration Project," Sampyo has been surveying potential habitats, analyzing movement patterns, and identifying areas suitable for the squirrels.

Last year's surveys confirmed the presence of Siberian flying squirrels in 75 locations. Based on these findings and predictive models, the company installed 50 artificial nests in April in areas where squirrel activity is expected. Sampyo Resources Development plans to continue monitoring vegetation and wildlife populations to manage the restored mine site effectively.

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We have been sequentially restoring areas where mining has ended and managing wildlife habitats together to reduce environmental impacts that can occur during the mining development process. We will continue ongoing monitoring even after completing the planting work this year.