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...

Thailand's new coal plants to balance energy risk

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand has earmarked 30 billion baht for investment in 2010. According to its newly-appointed governor, Sutat Patmasiriwat, four new coal-fired power plants, each with a capacity of 700 megawatts, will start operations gradually from 2016 to 2017. Two nuclear power plant are also due to proceed.

"We have told all energy policy makers that Thailand has been depending too heavily on gas, at 70% of power, which can only put us at high risk of blackouts," he told the Bangkok Post.

Somboon Arayaskul, EGAT's deputy governor on development, said the agency has held talks with organisations such as Banpu Plc, Siam Cement Group and local universities to establish an institute to help educate the public about modern clean-coal technology.

"Many [people] reject coal as an option despite the fact that new technology could cut sulphur emissions by more than 90% and that cutting-edge technology of carbon capture storage could lower costs and reduce CO2 emissions to zero within a few years' time," he said.