The Seringveld Conservancy is situated near Cullinan in an area is that is characterised by deep sandy soils. Sand mining for the building industry has become a major threat to the biodiversity of the area. The flora of the Conservancy is best described as a gradual ecotone between the grassland and savanna biomes. The fist objective of the study is to describe the vegetation of the Seringveld Conservancy, in terms of plant communities, plant species composition, habitat as well as composing a vegetation map of the area. The second objective of the study is more theoretical and is aimed at providing a definition for savannas as well as shedding light on the complexity of South African savannas and there underlying driving forces. The Braun-Blanquet approach was used for sampling and 125 relevés were compiled. The data was captured using TURBOVEG and data analysis followed in JUICE 7.0. A total of 376 species was recorded in the area. Analysis from JUICE resulted in a TWINSPAN dendogram, synoptic table and two phytosociological tables. The phytosociological tables obtained from JUICE were refined using Braun-Blanquet procedures. Ten main plant communities and two sub-communities were identified. Each plant community was described in terms of species composition, dominant species and diagnostic species, and ecologically interpreted in terms of habitat characteristics. The plant communities were also compared to communities found in other studies in close proximity of the Seringveld i.e. Ezemvelo Nature Reserve. ArcGIS was used to create various maps further highlighting the uniqueness of the area. A vegetation map indicating the distribution of the plant communities was compiled. The combined results of the phytosociological tables as well as the GIS maps indicate that the Seringveld Conservancy is a complex area containing high biodiversity. Trying to define savanna is related to scale. The study area is considered to be savanna at local scale, this study will refer to savanna as a vegetation type with a well developed grassy layer and an upper layer of woody plants, which can vary from widely spaced to 75 percent tree cover. There is a gradient present between equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics in savanna ecosystems of southern Africa. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Science / unrestricted

Following mineral-sand mining in the northern sandplains near Eneabba, southwestern Australia, rehabilitation managers have the difficult task of restoring shrubland communities of exceptional plant species richness. Management aims to restore a fully functional and self-sustaining shrubland community with similar vegetation and resilience properties to that of the surrounding natural vegetation. This thesis examines the performance of the restoration program by Iluka Resources Ltd. (and their predecessors) by comparing current vegetation properties and their response to fires on previously mined land versus the surrounding natural shrubland. As biomass accumulates post-restoration, fires will return as a natural disturbance factor and, as a result, a desirable measure of restoration success might include the ability of the postmined lands to recover from disturbance. Pre-burnt plant species diversity, composition, structure and key functional attributes in four mined sites rehabilitated 8 (R8) to 24 (R24) years ago were compared with those of surrounding natural areas classified on the basis of substrate type (low and high sand dunes, shallow sand swales, sand over laterite and sand over limestone). The rehabilitated sites (except R8) had more species (about 140) than natural sites (about 100) with 12–37% species in common with natural sites. Floristic composition was most similar to the local swales and dunes (physically closest). / Two strong colonizers, the fire-killed Acacia blakelyi and the fire-tolerant Melaleuca leuropoma, were universally present. Plant densities were about a quarter to half those of natural sites. Fire-resprouters were under-represented. Growth-form distributions were most similar to those of the dunes, with some woody shrubs up to 2.5 m tall present. Greater iron levels and soil hardness (penetrability) were the only soil factors consistently greater in rehabilitated sites. Following experimental fires at the same study sites, species richness fell by 22–41% in rehabilitated sites but increased by 4–29% in natural sites. Species present before fire were reduced by 40–56% in rehabilitated sites and 4–12% in natural sites. Only 42–66% of resprouting species recovered in rehabilitated sites, whereas 96–100% recovered in natural sites. Nonsprouting species recruitment was also lower in rehabilitated (18–57%) than natural (67–85%) sites. Seedling mortality over the first summer after fire was higher in rehabilitated sites (59-86% death of individuals) than in natural sites (14-60%). PCoA ordination showed that fire altered the floristic composition of rehabilitated sites much more than it did in natural sites, mostly attributable to the loss of the extant resprouter species. It was found that the smaller lignotuber size (source of dormant buds) recorded in rehabilitated (vs. natural) resprouters was responsible for their higher post-fire mortality. For equivalent crown size in ten common lignotuberous shrub species, lignotuber circumferences were, on average, 50% smaller at rehabilitated sites. / As a result, overall persistence in these species was much lower in rehabilitated (mean of 52% alive, range of 11–93%) versus natural sites (mean of 96%, range of 79–100%), but improved with time since restoration for five of the ten selected species. Apart from differences in the age of the plants (natural sites having much older plants recruited after previous fires), the lower soil penetrability at rehabilitated sites may have restricted lignotuber development. A tradeoff favoring a higher crown volume to lignotuber size ratio was also apparent in nine of the ten species with greater crown volumes (by 37%) and smaller lignotubers (by 36%) in rehabilitated sites. Demographic attributes for six selected woody species were compared between rehabilitated and natural sites (~3-30 years since disturbance) to investigate growth patterns and optimum fire-return intervals. At matched years since restoration or last fire, nonsprouter species in rehabilitated sites grew larger (1.1 to 4.7 times) and produced/stored more viable seeds per plant (1.1 to 10.9 times). Despite older aged individuals in natural sites at matched years since restoration vs. last fire, restored resprouters were larger (1.1 to 3.6 times) and produced/stored more viable seeds (1.1 to 6.9 times). Although greater growth and fecundity rates were recorded in rehabilitated sites, the estimated optimum fire-return interval based on maximum seed production was similar in rehabilitated and natural sites for five out of six species. / However, mean fire intervals typical of surrounding natural vegetation near the Eneabba area (13 years over the last 40 years) may not be suitable for rehabilitated minesites at Eneabba, whereby longer initial fire intervals (20–30 years) would better ensure persistence of resprouter individuals via the seedling recruitment strategy and resprouting strategy. Iv My study indicated that the returned vegetation can at present be classified as “rehabilitated” or “partially restored” but not “completely restored” since the original plant diversity, composition, structure, and resilience properties to fire have not yet been achieved. It may not be possible/realistic to achieve complete restoration since mining is such a destructive disturbance type that some complex ecological attributes may take centuries to develop. I discuss six key factors as important in improving the overall restoration success at Eneabba: 1) restoration of a deeper topsoil and looser subsoil profile; 2) collection of appropriate amounts of only local provenance species, mulch and topsoil; 3) control of highly competitive species; 4) management of fertilizer additions; 5) reseeding and replanting in subsequent years after the initial restoration treatments, including after initial fires; and 6) delaying the introduction of management fires until the restored vegetation develops sufficient fire-resilience properties.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第24888号 / 工博第5168号 / 新制||工||1987(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市社会工学専攻 / (主査)教授 角 哲也, 教授 田中 賢治, 准教授 竹林 洋史 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DGAM

Asian countries are urbanizing at an unprecedented rate, which has led to significant demand for sand. While sand mining fuels infrastructure development, creates livelihoods, and stimulates local economic activity, it also drives a series of environmental and socio-economic consequences which cannot be ignored. These include erosion, the destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity, the deterioration of traditional livelihoods, forced displacement of communities, and damage to homes and infrastructure. On the one hand, this thesis uses mixed methods to study the multifaceted impacts of sand mining along the Red River in China, near the Vietnamese border. On the other hand, using qualitative methods, it explores how these impacts unfold along the Mekong River in Cambodia, near Phnom Penh. Using a political ecology approach, it identifies the actors involved in sand mining, their motives, and their impacts on the environment and local communities. The extractivism framework is used to describe sand mining activities and practices. In doing so, this thesis contributes to the literature on the understudied sand mining industry and its far-reaching impacts.

Este estudo analisa os métodos e técnicas utilizadas na revegetação de áreas de mineração de areia, e avalia os resultados que vem sendo obtidos. Foram visitadas cinco minerações típicas do setor contendo áreas revegetadas, nas quais observou-se o conjunto das atividades de recuperação. De forma geral, a revegetação vêm cumprindo papel fundamental na recuperação das áreas mineradas. Para uma avaliação mais detalhada, numa segunda fase do estudo, selecionou-se duas minerações: Viterbo Machado – onde houve revegetação com espécies nativas em área de disposição de rejeito e; Cinco Lagos – onde foi executada revegetação em antiga área operacional visando a recuperação de mata ciliar. Para avaliar os resultados da revegetação, foram selecionados cinco indicadores de desempenho: aspecto visual da revegetação, densidade, altura média de plantas, número de espécies plantadas e mortalidade de mudas. Na Mineração Viterbo, as características do rejeito depositado (finos) dificultam o desenvolvimento normal das plantas. As práticas atuais de manejo amenizam o problema, mas ainda não são suficientes. O tipo de manutenção de uma área revegetada há cinco anos, ainda não permite a regeneração natural, e nem todas as espécies utilizadas estão adaptadas às condições do substrato. Outra área semeada há nove anos só com gramíneas, hoje em dia revela um processo de regeneração natural considerável, embora com número restrito de espécies e distribuição localizada. A revegetação na Mineração Cinco Lagos tem pouca diversidade de espécies, mas apresenta bons resultados de crescimento e regeneração natural, especialmente em área com distanciamento de 6x1m entre linhas e plantas, respectivamente. Alguns aspectos observados do manejo do solo precisam ser aprimorados, e a escolha das espécies deve considerar a adaptação local. O número de espécies usadas para implantação de mata nativa é muito restrito, mas a regeneração natural vem se mostrando decisiva na diversificação de espécies. A revegetação em bacias de decantação requer a incorporação de novas estratégias de manejo do solo e das plantas. O método de avaliação demonstrou-se válido desde que realizado mediante a aplicação de um conjunto de indicadores e tendo em conta as características intrínsecas de cada local. Pesquisas neste campo podem ser aprofundadas com aplicação de indicadores adicionais (por exemplo sobre o estado do solo), e com estudos do aprimoramento do manejo nas suas dimensões técnica e econômica. / This dissertation analyses the methods and techniques used to revegetate areas of sand mines and assess the results obtained. In the first phase of study, reclamation activities of five typical sand mines were observed. In general, revegetation in these mines plays a fundamental role in mined areas reclamation. Two mines were selected for a more detailed assessment, namely: Viterbo Machado Mine- where revegetation of decantation ponds has been carried out with native species; and Cinco Lagos Mine- where revegetation was performed in previous operational area aims to recover riparian vegetation. For assessing results, indicators were selected for collecting the following data: visual aspect of vegetation, plants density and number of species per hectare, plants height average and settled plant mortality. In Viterbo Mine, tailings characteristics make difficult the normal plant development. Current practices of soil management diminish this problem, but efforts have not shown to be enough to obtain satisfactory results. The type of maintenance of a five year plantation does not permit natural regeneration, and plant species chosen are not the best suitable. In a nine year grassland sown, nowadays there is a good natural regeneration process but with few number of species. Cinco Lagos Mine presents low planted species diversity but shows good conditions of vegetation growth and natural regeneration, mainly with 6mx1m grid between lines and plant respectively. Some aspects of soil management must be improved and the choice of species has to consider local adaptation. A low number of species are used for restoring natural vegetation, but natural regeneration process has been found is showing to be a decisive factor for diversification of vegetal species. Revegetation practice of decantation pond needs to add new soil and plant management strategies. Results assessment has been done through the application of a set of indicators. New research can be done to test the applicability of additional performance indicators (soil condition, for example).

O Antropoceno é marcado pelo aumento da demanda populacional e pelo desenvolvimento industrial. Essas alterações antrópicas têm tido como consequência mudanças ambientais e climáticas, principalmente nos últimos 200 anos. O Rio Guaíba, localizado no Estado brasileiro do Rio Grande do Sul, é considerado de extrema importância por diferentes atributos: (1) principal fonte de abastecimento de água potável para a população de Porto Alegre; (2) importante via de navegação, que liga a região central do Estado com a Lagoa dos Patos e, consequentemente, com o Oceano Atlântico; e (3) abriga o setor industrial da capital Porto Alegre. Este trabalho apresenta como objetivo principal a realização de um estudo de reconstrução ambiental em três testemunhos coletados ao longo do Rio Guaíba. Para atingir este objetivo, determinaram-se níveis de elementos traço (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, P, Pb, Sc e Zn), em conjunto com a geocronologia recente, obtida por meio das atividades dos radionuclídeos 210Pb e 137Cs, utilizando o modelo CRS (Constant Rate of Supply). Foram calculados os índices de geoacumulação: Fator de Enriquecimento, Pollution Load Index e Sediment Pollution Index. As colunas sedimentares G1 e G2 demonstraram resultados que expressam as consequências da mineração de areia que ocorre no rio Jacuí, principal fonte de sedimento para o Rio Guaíba. A partir de aproximadamente 1998, houve uma maior fiscalização das dragas operantes neste rio, e a dinâmica deposicional desses testemunhos foi novamente alterada. A reconstrução realizada no testemunho G3 demonstrou-se diferente das demais. Alterações no perfil granulométrico foram explicadas por eventos climáticos (El Niño e La Niña); e o aumento na concentração de elementos traço, principalmente Cr, Pb, P e Zn, está ligado a possíveis fontes antropogênicas. Neste estudo de reconstrução ambiental, a utilização do modelo CRS, de proxies de metais e da granulometria de finos mostrou-se adequada, principalmente no caso das consequências relacionadas à mineração de areia no rio Jacuí. / The new epoch Anthropocene is marked by the increase of population and industrial development. These anthropic alterations have had as consequences environmental and climatic changes, especially in the last two hundred years. The Guaíba River, located at the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul, is extremely important for different attributes: (1) it is the main source of potable water to the capital Porto Alegre; (2) it is an important navigation route, that connects the State central region with the Patos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean; and (3) it harbors the main industries of Porto Alegre. The principal objective of this study was to obtain environmental reconstructions for three sediment cores from Guaíba River. To accomplish this goal, we determined the concentrations of trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, P, Pb, Sc and Zn) and proceeded the analysis of recent geochronology, which was acquired through 210Pb and 137Cs activities with the CRS model. Furthermore, we calculated geoaccumulation indices: Enrichment Factor, Pollution Load Index and Sediment Pollution Index. The sediment cores G1 and G2 presented results that expressed the consequences of the sand mining that occurs at Jacuí River. Approximately after 1998, there has been better control of the dredges that operate on the river and the depositional dynamics were changed again. The G3 reconstruction had different conclusions compared with the others. Grain size alterations were explained by climatic events, like El Niño and La Niña; and the concentration increase of trace elements, mainly Cr, Pb, P and Zn, was connected with possible anthropogenic sources. In this study of environmental reconstruction, the utilization of the CRS model and of metals concentrations and grain size as proxies proved to be adequate, especially in the case of the sand mining at Jacuí River and its consequences.

O Antropoceno é marcado pelo aumento da demanda populacional e pelo desenvolvimento industrial. Essas alterações antrópicas têm tido como consequência mudanças ambientais e climáticas, principalmente nos últimos 200 anos. O Rio Guaíba, localizado no Estado brasileiro do Rio Grande do Sul, é considerado de extrema importância por diferentes atributos: (1) principal fonte de abastecimento de água potável para a população de Porto Alegre; (2) importante via de navegação, que liga a região central do Estado com a Lagoa dos Patos e, consequentemente, com o Oceano Atlântico; e (3) abriga o setor industrial da capital Porto Alegre. Este trabalho apresenta como objetivo principal a realização de um estudo de reconstrução ambiental em três testemunhos coletados ao longo do Rio Guaíba. Para atingir este objetivo, determinaram-se níveis de elementos traço (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, P, Pb, Sc e Zn), em conjunto com a geocronologia recente, obtida por meio das atividades dos radionuclídeos 210Pb e 137Cs, utilizando o modelo CRS (Constant Rate of Supply). Foram calculados os índices de geoacumulação: Fator de Enriquecimento, Pollution Load Index e Sediment Pollution Index. As colunas sedimentares G1 e G2 demonstraram resultados que expressam as consequências da mineração de areia que ocorre no rio Jacuí, principal fonte de sedimento para o Rio Guaíba. A partir de aproximadamente 1998, houve uma maior fiscalização das dragas operantes neste rio, e a dinâmica deposicional desses testemunhos foi novamente alterada. A reconstrução realizada no testemunho G3 demonstrou-se diferente das demais. Alterações no perfil granulométrico foram explicadas por eventos climáticos (El Niño e La Niña); e o aumento na concentração de elementos traço, principalmente Cr, Pb, P e Zn, está ligado a possíveis fontes antropogênicas. Neste estudo de reconstrução ambiental, a utilização do modelo CRS, de proxies de metais e da granulometria de finos mostrou-se adequada, principalmente no caso das consequências relacionadas à mineração de areia no rio Jacuí. / The new epoch Anthropocene is marked by the increase of population and industrial development. These anthropic alterations have had as consequences environmental and climatic changes, especially in the last two hundred years. The Guaíba River, located at the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul, is extremely important for different attributes: (1) it is the main source of potable water to the capital Porto Alegre; (2) it is an important navigation route, that connects the State central region with the Patos Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean; and (3) it harbors the main industries of Porto Alegre. The principal objective of this study was to obtain environmental reconstructions for three sediment cores from Guaíba River. To accomplish this goal, we determined the concentrations of trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, P, Pb, Sc and Zn) and proceeded the analysis of recent geochronology, which was acquired through 210Pb and 137Cs activities with the CRS model. Furthermore, we calculated geoaccumulation indices: Enrichment Factor, Pollution Load Index and Sediment Pollution Index. The sediment cores G1 and G2 presented results that expressed the consequences of the sand mining that occurs at Jacuí River. Approximately after 1998, there has been better control of the dredges that operate on the river and the depositional dynamics were changed again. The G3 reconstruction had different conclusions compared with the others. Grain size alterations were explained by climatic events, like El Niño and La Niña; and the concentration increase of trace elements, mainly Cr, Pb, P and Zn, was connected with possible anthropogenic sources. In this study of environmental reconstruction, the utilization of the CRS model and of metals concentrations and grain size as proxies proved to be adequate, especially in the case of the sand mining at Jacuí River and its consequences.

Este estudo analisa os métodos e técnicas utilizadas na revegetação de áreas de mineração de areia, e avalia os resultados que vem sendo obtidos. Foram visitadas cinco minerações típicas do setor contendo áreas revegetadas, nas quais observou-se o conjunto das atividades de recuperação. De forma geral, a revegetação vêm cumprindo papel fundamental na recuperação das áreas mineradas. Para uma avaliação mais detalhada, numa segunda fase do estudo, selecionou-se duas minerações: Viterbo Machado – onde houve revegetação com espécies nativas em área de disposição de rejeito e; Cinco Lagos – onde foi executada revegetação em antiga área operacional visando a recuperação de mata ciliar. Para avaliar os resultados da revegetação, foram selecionados cinco indicadores de desempenho: aspecto visual da revegetação, densidade, altura média de plantas, número de espécies plantadas e mortalidade de mudas. Na Mineração Viterbo, as características do rejeito depositado (finos) dificultam o desenvolvimento normal das plantas. As práticas atuais de manejo amenizam o problema, mas ainda não são suficientes. O tipo de manutenção de uma área revegetada há cinco anos, ainda não permite a regeneração natural, e nem todas as espécies utilizadas estão adaptadas às condições do substrato. Outra área semeada há nove anos só com gramíneas, hoje em dia revela um processo de regeneração natural considerável, embora com número restrito de espécies e distribuição localizada. A revegetação na Mineração Cinco Lagos tem pouca diversidade de espécies, mas apresenta bons resultados de crescimento e regeneração natural, especialmente em área com distanciamento de 6x1m entre linhas e plantas, respectivamente. Alguns aspectos observados do manejo do solo precisam ser aprimorados, e a escolha das espécies deve considerar a adaptação local. O número de espécies usadas para implantação de mata nativa é muito restrito, mas a regeneração natural vem se mostrando decisiva na diversificação de espécies. A revegetação em bacias de decantação requer a incorporação de novas estratégias de manejo do solo e das plantas. O método de avaliação demonstrou-se válido desde que realizado mediante a aplicação de um conjunto de indicadores e tendo em conta as características intrínsecas de cada local. Pesquisas neste campo podem ser aprofundadas com aplicação de indicadores adicionais (por exemplo sobre o estado do solo), e com estudos do aprimoramento do manejo nas suas dimensões técnica e econômica. / This dissertation analyses the methods and techniques used to revegetate areas of sand mines and assess the results obtained. In the first phase of study, reclamation activities of five typical sand mines were observed. In general, revegetation in these mines plays a fundamental role in mined areas reclamation. Two mines were selected for a more detailed assessment, namely: Viterbo Machado Mine- where revegetation of decantation ponds has been carried out with native species; and Cinco Lagos Mine- where revegetation was performed in previous operational area aims to recover riparian vegetation. For assessing results, indicators were selected for collecting the following data: visual aspect of vegetation, plants density and number of species per hectare, plants height average and settled plant mortality. In Viterbo Mine, tailings characteristics make difficult the normal plant development. Current practices of soil management diminish this problem, but efforts have not shown to be enough to obtain satisfactory results. The type of maintenance of a five year plantation does not permit natural regeneration, and plant species chosen are not the best suitable. In a nine year grassland sown, nowadays there is a good natural regeneration process but with few number of species. Cinco Lagos Mine presents low planted species diversity but shows good conditions of vegetation growth and natural regeneration, mainly with 6mx1m grid between lines and plant respectively. Some aspects of soil management must be improved and the choice of species has to consider local adaptation. A low number of species are used for restoring natural vegetation, but natural regeneration process has been found is showing to be a decisive factor for diversification of vegetal species. Revegetation practice of decantation pond needs to add new soil and plant management strategies. Results assessment has been done through the application of a set of indicators. New research can be done to test the applicability of additional performance indicators (soil condition, for example).

Orientador: Rachel Negrão Cavalcanti / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociencias / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-03T18:42:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 NunesJunior_MariodaSilva_M.pdf: 4117482 bytes, checksum: bf14e57a643c34bb39a74e492fbc202e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003 / Resumo: Nas últimas décadas o debate econômico envolvendo questões como a utilização intensiva de recursos naturais (faunísticos, florísticos, hídricos, minerais, etc.) e as graves conseqüências sócio-econômicas geradas pela poluição do meio ambiente têm posto a relação Homem-Natureza no centro das atenções econômicas. Para que sejam propostas soluções economicamente viáveis para problemas ambientais como esses é necessário entender como a economia, enquanto campo do conhecimento, desenvolve este debate através de seus interlocutores (agentes econômicos). Pela lógica econômica os valores econômicos atribuídos aos recursos naturais são determinados pelo seu valor de uso direto. Em relação a bens minerais como a areia, este valor de uso direto é relacionado a sua importância como agregado mineral na construção civil. Com os avanços do debate econômico sobre o meio ambiente, outros valores, além desse estimado pelo uso direto da areia, passaram a ter destaque nas análises econômicas, principalmente através das técnicas de valoração ambiental que possibilitam a mensuração do valor de uso indireto, ou seja, dos valores econômicos atribuídos aos serviços ambientais desempenhados por este bem mineral, a areia. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo mensurar o valor de uso indireto da areia explotada pela Mineradora Viterbo Machado Luz (MVML) instalada em uma área de proteção de mananciais da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo. A escolha dessa mineradora foi em função de seu destaque enquanto modelo de mineração ambientalmente responsável. A determinação do valor de uso indireto contou com a colaboração dos clientes da Mineradora que compunham um universo passível de ser mensurado e entrevistado. Pôde-se concluir que o valor de uso indireto da areia tem um maior sentido quando utilizado como parâmetros para políticas de comando e controle, baseadas na aplicação de multas e indenizações por danos ambientais ou mesmo na elaboração de políticas de incentivos econômicos / Abstract: ln the last decades, the economic debate concerning to questions such as intensive utilization of natural (faunistic, floristic, hydric, mineral etc.) resources, and the serious socio-economic consequences generated by the pollution of the enviromment has put the relation Man-Nature in the centre of the economics attention. In order to propose the economically viable solutions to the environmental problems as these, it is necessary to understand how the economy as field of knowledge develops this debate through its interlocutors (economical agents). Through the economic logic the economical values imputed to the natural resources are determined by its direct use value. In relation to the mineral goods like sand, this direct use value is related to its importance like mineral agregated at the civil architecture. With the improvement of the economic debate about the environment, other values, add to that estimated by direct use of the sand, had passed to have notability in the economic analysis, mainly, through the techniques of environmental valoration that becomes possible the measuring of the indirect use value, that is, of the economic values imputed to the environmental services performed by the mineral good, the sand. This work has as goal to measure the indirect use value of the exploited sand by the Mineradora Viterbo Machado Luz (MVML) settled in a protection area of fountainheads ITom the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. The choice of this mining was in function of its notability as model of environmentally responsible mining. The determination of the indirect use value counted with the colaboration of the clients ITom the mining who compose an universe susceptible to be measured and interviewed. It is possible to conclude that the indirect use value of the sand has a greater sense when it is used as parameters to the comand and control politics, based in the aplication of fines and compensations by environmental damages or even in the elaboration ofthe politics of economical incentives / Mestrado / Administração e Politica de Recursos Minerais / Mestre em Administração e Politica de Recursos Minerais

A recuperação ambiental de áreas exploradas pela mineração de areia na região do Vale do Paraíba, Estado de São Paulo, constitui anseio popular, obrigação constitucional e fator de diferenciação dentro da mais moderna visão empresarial. Este trabalho estuda a aplicação de turfa como um melhorador de solos na etapa final do processo de recuperação destas áreas: o restabelecimento da vegetação nativa. O interesse surgiu da experiência de trabalho do autor com pesquisa mineral e tecnológica desta substância, além da observação e acompanhamento de alguns projetos de revegetação nestas áreas, tidas como ambientalmente sensíveis e onde os solos apresentam-se, via de regra, improdutivos; sua utilização representou, nestes casos, a diferença entre o sucesso e a necessidade de replantio. Apresenta-se uma revisão bibliográfica sobre turfa e suas propriedades agronômicas, bem como acerca da utilização de matéria orgânica na revegetação de áreas degradadas. O estudo constituiu um comparativo entre resultados de ensaios efetuados em amostras de solo provenientes de área abandonada pela mineração de areia, homogeneizadas em laboratório em seu estado original (branco), de um lado, e com adição de turfa em diferentes proporções, de outro, visando aferir se alguma delas poderia adequar-se mais satisfatoriamente à melhoria das condições gerais do solo em questão. Foram analisadas variações em propriedades químicas e físicas como retenção de cátions, efeito tampão, densidade aparente, condutividade hidráulica e porosidade. Abre-se a possibilidade de os resultados deste projeto não se limitarem apenas à Indústria Mineral mas estenderem-se a outros setores onde haja a necessidade de recuperação de solos, fornecendo subsídios a eventuais modificações no manejo de solos agricultáveis, com perspectivas de geração de economia de recursos em irrigação, fertilizantes e defensivos agrícolas. / The environmental recuperation of areas explored by sand mining in the Vale do Paraíba region, in the State of São Paulo, is a popular aspiration, a constitutional obligation and constitutes a differentiating factor in the visions of modern enterprise. This work studies the utilization of peat as a soil conditioner in the final stage of the recuperation process for these areas: the revival of indigenous vegetation. This idea arose from the author's experience in technological and mineral research into peat, coupled with the observation and monitoring of these environmentally sensitive areas, whose soils were, from an agricultural stance, generally unproductive. The utilization of peat, in these cases, represented the difference between success and the necessity for a replantation process. This study presents a review of the agronomic properties of peat as well as the application of organic matter in the revegetation of damaged land. It is a comparative study between laboratory assay results from soil samples in their original state, and those where the soil has variable peat contents, seeking to ascertain which, if any, results in better general conditions for that particular soil. Both physical and chemical properties were analyzed, with an emphasis on cation exchange capacity, buffering, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and porosity. There is a possibility that the results of this project can extended beyond the Mineral Industry to other sectors, where there are needs for soil recuperation, leading to cost savings for irrigation, fertilizers and agrotoxic compounds in food production areas.