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...

Australian to invest $1 billion in Indonesia

Six Australian mining companies planned to invest at least $1 billion in Indonesia this year, an Australian government official has told Indonesian media. "This year, six big Australian mining companies will invest at least $1 billion compared with some $200 million last year," Australia's Senior Trade Commissioner for Indonesia, Rod Morehouse, told a press conference in Jakarta.

However, Morehouse declined to name the companies as the information is still confidential.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Bill Farmer, said his country is looking forward to increasing investment in Indonesian mining sector. "And, they can provide real benefits, especially in key areas like environmentally sustainable mining," he said.

He said Australian mining companies will help increase capacity building for Indonesian employees in various programs. "Recently, we conducted a training program of mining capacity building in Kalimantan Island," he said, adding that safety is the top priority of Australian companies.