A chromium mining area in Lhokha, Tibet autonomous region, has taken a green development path in recent years to restore its natural environment.

Known on the plateau for its chromium output, Chusum county is home of the Norbusa mining area of the ShanNan branch of the China Baowu Tibet Mining Company. It is the largest chromium-producing area in China. Chromium is used to harden and polish steel and to create stainless steel.

Located at an altitude of 4,200 meters, the company was added to the national green mining list in 2020 thanks to its achievements in following a green path.

In recent years, the company has invested more than 50 million yuan ($7 million) to renovate more than 63 hectares of mined-out areas.

Li Jun, deputy general manager of the sub-branch of the company in Lhokha, said most of those areas have been renovated and properly filled, using more than 1.3 million cubic meters of fill material to cover disturbed areas.

"We can see grass growing in the restored areas now, and we planted more than 2,000 trees in the spring with the help of more than 120 workers," Li said.

Beyond restoring the damaged land surface to its original condition, the company is also following a green development path in technical innovation and use of resources.

"Previously, we mainly used wood to shore up mine shafts. Mining was carried out solely by manpower, and waste rocks could only be discharged outside, which is neither environmentally friendly nor safe," said Kelsang Dawa, another deputy general manager of the company in Lhokha.

"Now, with new mining methods, waste rock is crushed and used as backfill. By using new digging machines, we no longer need to use wood shoring," said Kelsang Dawa. He noted that with the reduction of displaced waste rock, mining efficiency and safety have significantly improved.

Next, the company plans to build a residential community for workers. It will have lawns, drainage systems, a sports field and a parking lot.

"Adhering to a green development path to create a garden-style, waste-free mining area are our goals," Li Jun said.