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...

BHP Billiton and Japan smelters agree 2010 copper fees

Major Japanese smelters have agreed to a 38% cut in copper treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs) for 2010 with global miner BHP Billiton industry sources told Miho Yoshikawa of Reuters. The fees were set at $46.5/tonne and 4.65 cents/pound for processing copper concentrate into metal, the same level as those set with US miner Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc in late 2009.

The levels, down from $75/7.5 cents set for the calendar 2009 contract, are the lowest since the 2008/09 mid-year contract when processing fees were set at $42.5/4.25 cents. The mid-year contracts provide terms for copper concentrate supplies for the 12 months starting in July.