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...

Yanzhou Coal's $3b takeover of Felix "marks a new start" in Chinese acquisitions in Australia

The $3 billion purchase of Australian coal miner, Felix Resources by Yanzhou Coal Mining of the Peoples Republic of China could open the door to more Chinese acquisitions. “Yanzhou’s successful takeover marks a new start in cooperation between Australia and China,” said China’s ambassador to Australia, Zhang Junsai, quoted by Reuters. “China brings not only capabilities, jobs and opportunities, but also secure long-term market share.”

The buyout was the biggest by a Chinese company in Australian mining history and among the top 10 mergers and acquisitions in Australia in 2009. Australia established new investment guidelines in 2009 that did not favor majority foreign stakes in its mining industry, raising concerns in the Chinese government of a bias against foreign investment.

“People shouldn’t forget that Australia is built on the back of foreign investment,” said Martin Ferguson, the Australian resources minister.