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...

Rio Tinto to proceed with Indonesia's Lasamphala Nickel Project

PT Rio Tinto Indonesia will start this year work in its $1.93 billion nickel mining project in Lasamhala in the border area of Central and Southeast Sulawesi provinces. Company spokesman Budi Irianto said the Indonesia units of Rio Tinto Limited has set aside fund for investment this year. The mine is expected to produce around 46,000 t/y of nickel when it starts operation to be raised later to 100,000 t/y.

The Mines Minsistry's Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal,  Bambang Setiawan, said he had provided the license recommendation for Rio Tinto, Antara newsagency reported.