As part of the approved environmental measures aimed at preventing dust formation, Central Iron Ore is sowing rye on the dry areas of its tailings storage facility. By winter, it is planned to cover 120 hectares.
Ecologists of Central Iron Ore took note of the crop's unique properties eight years ago. This cereal stands out among other grain crops, because it can grow even in sandy soil, requires little care, and is able to withstand winds and frosts. The most important feature is its strong root system that secures the upper soil layer from dispersal. This is the reason why rye was chosen as a separate technology for handling dust at the tailings storage facility.
As of now, this year's agricultural activities are nearing completion. Specialists said that it is important to calculate the sowing time correctly. In the central part of Ukraine, it usually happens from the end of September to the beginning of October. If the timing is missed, the root system will have no time to form. Due to accurate planning and a few rainy days on the dry tailings storage facility, which was sown first, the winter rye is already visible.
"In 2025, in order to achieve a strong result, we are using fertilisers for the first time. This is a mixed fertiliser which consists of various nutrients that ensure the growth of the root system, protect from diseases, and improve the stress resistance of sowings in unfavourable climate conditions. We are also using grain from a drought-resistant variety for the first time this year. In addition, we are expanding the areas of sowings compared to last year: from 100 hectares to 120," said Nataliia BILOZOROVA, Head of the Ecology Department at Metinvest Iron Ore Plants.
Now in their fourth year of operating under wartime conditions, Metinvest Iron Ore Plants continue to meet the commitments outlined in the city programme for addressing Kryvbas's environmental challenges and improving the state of the natural environment, as well as in the Dnipropetrovsk regional comprehensive programme on environmental safety and climate change mitigation.
