Phosphate mining on the island commenced in 1895 and has been conducted virtually ever since. The method of mining destroys the rain forest by clearing the forest and removing the top soil that contains the phosphate. The top soil removal is complete, that is, down to the limestone sub layers. No soil remains in which the vegetation can regrow. The destruction of the forest is complete and permanent. There are reforestation projects conducted on the island, but the time frames are greater than a human lifespan, time frames of 300 years are in place. The top soil is dug up, crushed into smaller sizes, graded, transported to the driers to remove moisture, then moved to the wharf by conveyor belts and stock piled in silos waiting to be transfered into phosphate boats for export.
The only good feature of this mine is there are no chemicals used in any part of the mining process, but this does not out weigh the permanent destruction of the rain forest.
The only good feature of this mine is there are no chemicals used in any part of the mining process, but this does not out weigh the permanent destruction of the rain forest.
