Qingzhen transforms abandoned mines into 'green goldmines'

In Qingzhen's Maige Miao and Bouyei township, a combination of innovative ecological restoration and agricultural development has turned abandoned mines in Xiaodianshan village into "pilot grounds" for rural vitalization. 

As a key bauxite mining area in Qingzhen, Maige Miao and Bouyei township has long faced challenges in ecological rehabilitation due to prolonged mining activities. Within Xiaodianshan's 9.8-square-kilometer area, over 1,000 mu (67 hectares) of unrestored mining land once hindered local development.  

The mining restoration site in Xiaodianshan village. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

To tackle this, the township government, after thorough research, facilitated a partnership between Xiaodianshan village, Guizhou Zhaobinxing Agricultural Development Co, and Guizhou Shunhe Yintai Mining Co. Under a "village collective + agricultural company + mining company" model, the village launched a sustainable farming project.  

So far, a 350-mu vegetable base has been established, yielding 1,000 to 2,000 kilograms of produce per mu annually, with an estimated yearly output value exceeding 2 million yuan ($278,302). An additional 200-mu planting zone is set to launch soon, which will supply high-quality vegetables to more households and further fuel rural economic growth. 

Villagers farm on the restored mining land. [Photo/WeChat account of Shuangshuang Guiyang, Hucheng Qingzhen]

Looking ahead, the township plans to integrate mine restoration with rural tourism, exploring an "agriculture + eco-tourism" development model.  

"We will strengthen collaboration with natural resources and agricultural departments to secure more policy support," said Wang Songting, deputy head of Maige Miao and Bouyei township. "The 'Xiaodianshan Model' will be promoted to turn more abandoned mines into hubs of ecological, industrial, and social benefits."