Case study · Industry
From Mendrisio to Colombia, biodiversity is measured on a global scale
Argor-Heraeus has activated a data-driven environmental monitoring programme across two sites, Mendrisio in Switzerland and a site in the extractive supply chain in Colombia, with satellite analysis, Spectrum bioacoustic sensors and the XNatura Environmental Platform to measure the impact on biodiversity and respond to the Global Biodiversity Framework.
The precious metals supply chain leaves a footprint that goes beyond emissions
The precious metals supply chain impacts biodiversity through extraction, which destroys habitats in tropical hotspots, and refining, which exerts pressure on soils, waterways and surrounding habitats. Mining activities fragment the landscape, interrupt ecological corridors and modify the local microclimate, while residues and chemical waste compromise soil and water quality. The sector depends on stable ecosystems for water regulation, soil conservation and maintaining the resilience of surrounding habitats.
The challenge
Concrete biodiversity data from the refinery to the extractive supply chain
Argor-Heraeus had a solid sustainability strategy but lacked site-level biodiversity monitoring at both Mendrisio and the extractive areas in Colombia. A scientific approach aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework and CSRD was needed, based on MSA and replicable across Heraeus sites.
What we did
Two sites, two continents, one single methodology
XNatura designed a two-site, two-continent project combining remote analysis, field monitoring and data integrated into one platform.
In the field
How we did it
From satellite analysis to field monitoring
A project combining space technology and IoT sensors to build a scientific biodiversity baseline around the production site.
- 01Remote analysis of biodiversity potentialThe project started in 2024 with a satellite assessment via Remote Sensing. Satellite imagery, processed with artificial intelligence algorithms, provided a comprehensive overview of the biodiversity potential of both sites, Mendrisio and Colombia. The analysis mapped land cover classification, calculated the MSA Land Use index to assess the degree of naturalness compared to an undisturbed ecosystem, and identified optimal zones for field sensor placement.
- 02Spectrum bioacoustic sensors in Mendrisio and ColombiaBased on the satellite analysis results, Spectrum devices were positioned in the areas identified as most relevant for pollinator monitoring at both sites. The bioacoustic sensors capture the buzzing of bees, bumblebees and hoverflies, detecting their abundance and diversity without any disturbance to the natural environment. Continuous monitoring enables the construction of a quantitative baseline in profoundly different ecological contexts.
- 03Data convergence on the XNatura PlatformAll data, satellite and field, flows into the XNatura Environmental Platform, where Argor-Heraeus can visualise and compare biodiversity KPIs for both sites, with indicators on hydrogeological risk, surface temperature, pollinator density and proximity to protected areas. The platform provides data compliant with CSRD requirements and the TNFD framework, directly usable in the company's Sustainability Factbook.
- 04A pilot for the global Heraeus networkThe two sites in Mendrisio and Colombia already demonstrate the replicability of the methodology on a global scale. The approach based on satellite assessment, bioacoustic monitoring and an integrated platform is designed to be extended to other Heraeus Precious Metals group sites, with the goal of building a standardised data-driven biodiversity strategy at international level.
What the data says
From measurement to strategy
The Mendrisio site achieved a Total MSA of 100, the highest level of ecological integrity, confirming that the area surrounding the production site maintains a high degree of naturalness. There are 15 protected areas within 5 km, confirming the ecological value of the context in which the refinery operates.
The Colombia site has a Total MSA of 71.5, with a gap of 28.5 points compared to the level achieved in Mendrisio. This figure quantifies the distance between the two contexts and indicates the improvement path needed for the extractive site. The comparison between the two sites demonstrates the methodology's ability to operate across profoundly different ecosystems, providing Argor-Heraeus with an integrated and comparable view of its biodiversity impact along the supply chain.
Monitoring in action
Monitoring in action
Key sections of the XNatura Environmental Platform dedicated to the Mendrisio and Colombia sites.
The platform
Access the XNatura Environmental Platform
The platform with which Argor-Heraeus monitors biodiversity, microclimate and environmental risks at the Mendrisio and Colombia sites.
Log in to the platform →
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What was the environmental challenge at Argor-Heraeus?
The precious metals supply chain leaves a footprint that goes beyond emissions. The precious metals supply chain impacts biodiversity through extraction, which destroys habitats in tropical hotspots, and refining, which exerts pressure on soils, waterways and surrounding habitats. Mining activities fragment the landscape, interrupt ecological corridors and modify the local microclimate, while residues and chemical waste compromise soil and water quality. The sector depends on stable ecosystems for water regulation, soil conservation and maintaining the resilience of surrounding habitats.
What method did XNatura use at Argor-Heraeus?
A project combining space technology and IoT sensors to build a scientific biodiversity baseline around the production site.
What data came out of the Argor-Heraeus project?
The Mendrisio site achieved a Total MSA of 100, the highest level of ecological integrity, confirming that the area surrounding the production site maintains a high degree of naturalness. There are 15 protected areas within 5 km, confirming the ecological value of the context in which the refinery operates. The Colombia site has a Total MSA of 71.5, with a gap of 28.5 points compared to the level achieved in Mendrisio. This figure quantifies the distance between the two contexts and indicates the improvement path needed for the extractive site. The comparison between the two sites demonstrates the methodology's ability to operate across profoundly different ecosystems, providing Argor-Heraeus with an integrated and comparable view of its biodiversity impact along the supply chain.
What access does Argor-Heraeus have to the XNatura platform now?
The platform with which Argor-Heraeus monitors biodiversity, microclimate and environmental risks at the Mendrisio and Colombia sites.
Do you want to monitor the biodiversity of your industrial site?
XNatura supports industrial companies in site-level biodiversity monitoring, with satellite assessment, IoT sensors and a platform compliant with the main reporting standards, from CSRD to TNFD.
Do you want to monitor the biodiversity of your industrial site?
XNatura supports industrial companies in site-level biodiversity monitoring, with satellite assessment, IoT sensors and a platform compliant with the main reporting standards, from CSRD to TNFD.
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