Mineral extraction vs Ecology working group excursion 10.00h: meeting place Parking "Aen 't Venne", Kikmolenstraat 3, 3630 MaasmechelenTravel in group to entrance of “Kikbeekgroeve”. Introduction to former Sibelco sand pit and its evolution after closure by Isaac Berwouts (Sibelco). Walking trip exposing silversand, Kikbeek lignite, pedogenetic quartzite, cryoturbations and polygonal soils, Usselo and Bolling soils,

After a workshop organised 27 November 2015 and a series of excursions to different types of raw materials extraction conducted this year, the ad-hoc working group observed that former or reclaimed mining sites regain valuable ecological functions and may even attain a higher level of biodiversity than the original lands before mining. Multiple former extraction sites are transformed into Natura 2000 or other protected sites, or even are becoming new wilderness areas. The ad-hoc working group has concluded that mining and ecology should become allies and agreed to the organisation of a symposium, with the intention to promote a better understanding of the mutual interests by the industry and the conservationists and at informing a wider audience.

Ten companies - large or SME - made use of this opportunity. About 60 students/job seekers participated.