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9.0 COMPANY SPONSORED RESEARCH During the past 13 yr, AMAX Inc. has been involved in various research projects in cooperation with state and federal agencies, universities, and private organizations. The research has involved the stabilization and revegetation of disturbed substrates in high-altitude environments, wildlife surveys, technical assistance, silvicultural practices and information dissemination. While some of the research projects have beers completed, most projects are still on-going and continue to provide valuable information. Short descripitions of the research projects have Keen grouped into the following categories: Tailing Revegetation Research, High Altitude Revegetation Research (Species Adaption, Fertilizer Requirements), and Information Dissemination/Educational Activities. 9.1 TAILING REVEGETATION RESEARCH 9.1.1 Feasibility of Vegetatively Stabilized Mine Tailing At Climax In 1964, Hayes F. Grubb, a graduate student at Colorado State University (CSU), attempted to establish herbaceous cover on the original tailing pond. Grubb's thesis pointed out the acidity problem (pH 4.0 - 4.4) resulting from the decomposition of iron pyrite in the tailing. Nutrient deficiencies and trace mineral shortages in the tailing were also demonstrated. Most of the research plots established by Grubb were destroyed after the fist year by shifting tailing through wind deposition. In 1969, Dr. Williman Berg, an agronomist at CSU and Henry fiarrou, his graduate student, began work using species survival olots on native soil and using tailing modification tests to create a favorable medium for vegetative establishment. From Dr. Berg's work, a formula for physical and chemical soil amendments was developed. This resulted in establishment of vegetation on 12 acres cov g the old tailing pond. This research was part of a statewide project on mine tailing revegetation sponsored by tt~e Colorado State Legislature. 1