Bioremediation for Mined Land to Grow Biodiesel Feedstock

6 May 2005

D1 Oils, the UK-based global biodiesel producer, is collaborating with Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation in the Philippines to rehabilitate land previously degraded by mining through the cultivation of jatropha, D1 Oils’ feedstock of choice in the production of biodiesel.

The bioremediation project is using jatropha not only due to its restorative qualities but also because of its use as a biofuel feedstock.

The first stage of the project is a five- to seven-hectare model farm and demonstration facility. The ultimate objective is to plant jatropha on 7,000 hectares of degraded land to produce fuel for power generation for off-grid mining facilities.

We see the mining industry as a key partner for D1 Oils. The need to restore degraded land around mines provides us with a great opportunity to demonstrate the potential of jatropha to rehabilitate land while producing a source of green energy for local communities.

—Philip Wood, CEO D1 Oils

Philippines President Arroyo planted the first seedling at the project site in Toledo, Cebu Province, in a sign of government support for the project. Arroyo also supports D1 Oils’ plans to intercrop jatropha on coconut plantations in the Philippines to help meet the Government’s targets for the use of biofuels.