Mining maquis

[1] This richness in magnesium leads to an imbalance in the calcium/magnesium ratio, in particular in the brown soils located at the base of the massifs which dominate the west coast (Boulinda, Kopéto, Koniambo, Tiébaghi, etc.)

These particular edaphic conditions are the main cause of the low dynamism of the mining maquis, which results in a slow growth of the species, a remarkable floristic and structural stability in the absence of disturbance and a certain resistance to anthropization, marked by the absence of any lasting invasion of gregarious introduced species.

The flora of mining maquis grows on soils poor in nutrients and rich in potentially toxic minerals.

[3] Fourteen genera of plants are found on mining maquis: Beaupreopsis, Beltaria, Corbassona, Eriaxis, Garnieria, Iteiltima, Myricanthe, Myrtastrum, Neocallitropsis, Nephrodesmus, Normandia, Oceanopapaver, Peripterygia, Solmsia, Trouettea, as well as the section Neo-caledonicae of the genus Oxalis.

Before that time, evolutionarily similar groups must have already occupied sites unsuitable for the development of the dense humid forest, such as on exposed ridges, eroded soils, and hydromorphic zones.

Implementing soil stabilization and revegetation programs of mining sites after exploitation is now a major concern for the nickel industry.

[3] The flora of the mining maquis is also threatened by the introduction of invasive species such as the Caribbean pine capable of developing on Lateritic nickel ore deposits, and deer.