Meta-Restore: Sustainable Rehabilitation of Mining-Affected Landscapes Using Native Tree Species as Potential Metallophytes in Tampakan, South Cotabato

Authors: Charlyn T. Gorgonio, Maximo A. Dagatan, Marvin D. Batican, Richelyn C. Dumdum, Arciel L. Flores, Nadzer C. Abas, Chrystie Abishag B. Macanta, Johann Astrid C. Jadloc
Journal: Journal of University of Mindanao's Best Practices | Vol. 1, No. 1, July 2026
DOI:
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Abstract

The Metallophytes Research is a long-term initiative led by the Environmental Science Department (ESD) in collaboration with Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and DENR XII Mines and Geoscience Bureau to identify, evaluate, and apply plant-based solutions in heavy metal-contaminated environments, particularly in the proposed Tampakan Copper-Gold Project area in South Cotabato. The project aims to identify native metallophyte species, assess their phytoremediation potential, and explore their integration into sustainable rehabilitation practices for mining- impacted landscapes. Specific objectives include:

1) identifying and mapping potential metallophytes;
2) determining concentration and distribution of heavy metals in soils;
3) testing the survival and growth performance of metallophytes; and
4) enhancing growth via mycorrhizal inoculation.

The target areas are Barangays Pulabato and surrounding locations in Tampakan, South Cotabato. The primary stakeholders are the local communities, environmental scientists, and the mining sector.

This research spans several phases since 2017:
• Phase 1 (2017): Identification of Potential Metallophytes Along Proposed Copper-Gold Mining in Pulabato, Tampakan, South Cotabato.
• Phase 2 (2019): Potential Tree Metallophytes Along Proposed Copper Gold Mining Project
• Phase 3 (2022): Concentration and spatial distribution of heavy metals in topsoil surrounding the proposed Tampakan copper-gold project
• Phase 4 (Ongoing): 5-Year Trial Planting of Forest Tree Species Inoculated with Mycorrhiza in SMI Copper-Gold Environment Tampakan, South Cotabato

This project is one of the few in the region systematically integrating bioremediation into mining rehabilitation frameworks using native plant species, supporting sustainable and science-based restoration.

Keywords

Sustainable, Rehabilitation, Mining, Native Tree Species, Metallophytes, Tampakan, South Cotabato