ReMOSS: Ecological restoration of post-mining landscapes with native moss.
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Boreal Orchards AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 419 261 |
| Project duration | November 2023 - November 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Technical and social innovations for sustainable mineral and metal supply |
Important results from the project
The aim of the re:moss project is to accelerate the ecological restoration of post-mining landscapes. The project objectives included the identification and lab/pilot scale cultivation of selected native moss. The resulting moss primer was applied to different substrates and waste rock construction methods at test locations. The project has successfully met and/or exceeded its objectives and its key performance indicators. Early observations of moss colonisation have been promising.
Expected long term effects
Expected outcomes include faster vegetation growth, reduced dust formation, long-term landform stability, and native ecosystem restoration using native moss. Social acceptance grows as mining shows restoration success. Results will guide better practices, support reindeer lichen reintroduction, and establish baselines for effective post-mining restoration strategies.
Approach and implementation
The project united miners (LKAB, Boliden, Talga & Viscaria), academia (SLU), & SMEs (Boreal Orchards & VAST) to advance restoration. The project was focused on: collecting moss, growing & applying the moss primer, & monitoring results. Progress aligned with Sweden’s field season mostly went to plan; a project extension was required to test at a Boliden site. Collaboration between industry & SMEs was strong, though monitoring moss establishment to generate high-quality data needs optimisation.