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...

Mongolia prefers to own Tavan Tolgoi coal project

Mongolia's prime minister, Sukhbaatar Batbold, doesn't rule out foreign ownership of the $2 billion Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit but prefers state ownership. His government is looking for a contractor to help develop the project rather than selling a stake in the project to foreign companies. "We have not ruled out foreign mining companies having a stake but our preferred option is complete state control. Ownership and investment of all the big projects will be decided on a case by case basis," he said, as quoted by China Daily.

Mongolia has fifteen large strategic deposits of metals and coal reserves and is seeking $25 billion in overseas investment over five years to develop some of them.

Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines Limited and Rio Tinto have already signed an agreement for the $4 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper gold project starting in 2013.