Copal ProductionJuly 09
NMG is pleased to announce production at their
ancient copal forest. Copal is a hard resin exuded from a special
coniferous tree. NMG miners dig in the ancient copal forests which
includes alluvial recent to semi-fossilized (65% polymerized)
insect-included resin. For thousands of years, ancient copal trees
deposited copious amounts of resin to heal injuries sustained from the
destructive forces of nature (like cyclones).
Branches typically would snap, exposing the phloem part of the tree
which transports the resin. The resin would slowly flow in large
“icicles” globing off the tree and fall to the ground, entombing leaves
and insects along its path. Excavating in areas where trees once lived
and currently live, exposes beautiful specimens. NMG operates a
sustainability project, protecting the last living trees from poachers
and traditional slash and burn practices - still common throughout
Madagascar today. Without NMG’s sustainability and protection plan, the
remaining tree’s would have fallen in 2009. NMG is working with the
Malagasy department of Forest, on the sustainability plan along with
management of the resource.
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