ArcelorMittal Ostrava, home to rare orchid species

When talking of steelmaking facilities the first thing that comes to our mind is mostly hot metal, a lot of noise, heat or even smoke. Images that are far from being in harmony with nature. Since late July this perception does not hold true any more. An evidence of this can be found at ArcelorMittal Ostrava: the largest steelmaking facility in the Czech Republic recently discovered a very unique orchid growing on its premises…

Its botanical name is Epipactis albensis. It is a tiny plant with greenish blossoms that, according to botanical atlases, do not always unfold. However, that’s not the case in Ostrava where this orchid displayed all of its beauty.

“We are proud to have such a rare plant on our premises. As we are often under criticism for our environmental footprint this rare species, which is on the list of endangered plants, shows that our facility is not as adverse to the nature as many tend to say,” says Petr Baranek, Chief Green Officer, ArcelorMittal Ostrava.

The orchid can be found in floodplain woods, along streams or springs and from now on the botanical atlases should make a new entry: in steel mills as well!

Author: Ivo Štěrba, Communications, ArcelorMittal Ostrava
Photo taken by: Vladimír Raszka, Communications, ArcelorMittal Ostrava