Algae and mining: A new frontier in sustainable site rehabilitation

Algae might seem an unlikely candidate to help transform Australia’s post-mining landscapes, but a new CSIRO -led project suggests these tiny aquatic organisms could provide sustainable futures for mine sites, surrounding ecosystems, and local communities. Looking down the microscope at the microalgae Nannochloropsis Australia’s mining sector is approaching a crossroads—where economic legacy and environmental responsibility must find common ground. A new CSIRO -led study, supported by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME), suggests that one of the most promising bridges between these imperatives may come from an unexpected source: algae. Though small in stature, algae are emerging as giants in their potential to transform post-mining landscapes. The study, developed in partnership with the University of Queensland and Murdoch University , proposes that algae-based technologies could reduce mining’s environmental footprint while seeding new...

China restricts mining of refractory clay, fluorite

The Peoples Republic of China has begun to restrict the mining and production of refractory clay and fluorite over concerns about decreasing reserves and environmental pollution, according to a notice posted on the central government's website reported by Xinhua.  The government intends to implement comprehensive restrictions, involving taxation, production planning management, industry entry standards and export policies.

Land and resources authorities are to enhance efforts to address problems in refractory clay and fluorite mining, and will not accept applications for new prospecting and mining projects starting from 2 January. Industry entry standards for refractory clay and fluorite enterprises will be published on 1 March.

The notice also calls for intensified customs efforts to crack down on smuggling and supervision on refuse ore treatment.