Covia : San Juan Facility Brings Home a WHC Conference Prize

SAN JUAN, February 26, 2020 - THE 2019 WHC Forest Project Award was recently presented to Covia's own Planta San Juan. Competing against three other corporate nominees, San Juan's environmental restoration project won top accolades.

Three years ago, the San Juan Plant started an environmental restoration project in partnership with the Instituto de Ecologia, A.C. (INECOL) - a leading public research institute in Mexico, which supports ecology and biodiversity. The focus of the restoration project was to transform a 21.5-acre tract of land (formally an impoundment for inert sand mining tailings and process waste) into an ecological habitat comprised of over 9,000 native trees. Tropical Oaks taking center stage as the predominant species.

The inert qualities of the waste sand presented a challenge for restoration. Initial soil studies determined the site lacked the right soil composition and key nutrients to support the new plants. Thus, an on-site compost program was born. Composting transformed local cow manure and crushed leaves into a nutrient rich soil amendment. The project was now ready for plants.

In addition to creating a compost program, the project team established an on-site nursery to grow the native plant species used in the project. These native plants were carefully selected based upon a restoration plan developed by INECOL. On-site irrigation is not used so identifying the correct planting seasons was essential to the success of the project. Planting sequences and distribution created a naturally formed landscape. Perching features and burrows were also added to the project area to encourage the return of wildlife to the site.

Monitoring is also an important component of the project. Species counts, survival and growth rates are just a few of the parameters that are recorded and tracked This project was made possible because of the continual involvement of Covia employees, families and community members. They have been involved since the beginning and continue to show ongoing support for this project.

In addition to bragging rights, the San Juan award helps to showcase Covia as a responsible mineral company that goes above and beyond to ensure the well-being of both the environment and the communities in which we operate.

Gracias, Planta San Juan!

About Covia

Covia is a leading provider of diversified mineral solutions to the oil and gas, glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, sports and recreation markets. The Company serves its Industrial customers through a broad array of high-quality products, including high-purity silica sand, nepheline syenite, feldspar, clay, kaolin, resin systems and coated materials, delivered through its comprehensive distribution network. Covia offers its Energy customers an unparalleled selection of proppant solutions, additives, and coated products to enhance well productivity and to address both surface and down-hole challenges in all well environments. Covia has built long-standing relationships with a broad customer base consisting of blue-chip customers. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to all of its stakeholders. For more information, visit CoviaCorp.com.

Corporate Contact

Dave Reavis

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