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...

Olympus Pacific beats Vietnam gold targets

Olympus Pacific Minerals (TSX: OYM) has exceeded fourth quarter gold production targets at the Bong Mieu Gold Processing Plant, located in central Vietnam. The Bong Mieu plant throughput is currently sourced from two underground mines, Phuoc Son and Bong Mieu.

Actual gold production for December was 3,191 oz while total gold sales for the year ended 31 December 2009 was 24,200 oz which generated $24.3 million in sales. In the fourth quarter, Olympus sold 10,108 ozs of gold. Cash flow from production is being channelled back into the construction of a second gold processing plant at Phuoc Son.

Proactive Investors reported that Olympus also reiterated its commitment to the company four key projects; Bong Mieu, Phuoc Son, Tien Thuan and Bau which are located in Malaysia and Vietnam.