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...

Dialogue, the ‘fundamental constant’ that drives ICMM’s work

The International Council on Mines & Metals’ Annual Review 2010 – Making progress through dialogue, reviews a year of "consensus-building and collaboration."

In the foreword, ICMM President Anthony Hodge talks about the value of building strong relationships and highlights achievements made in 2010.

These included an opinion survey on mining and sustainable development, which drew responses from 847 people across 81 countries; a formalized approach to track and assess emerging issues; and a historic commitment to fully engage in the climate change debate.

In the Chairman’s statement, Richard Adkerson discusses the importance of transparency as a driver for progress – a value which is underpinned by member commitments to publicly report against their sustainability performance.

The ICMM was established in 2001 to act as a catalyst for performance improvement in the mining and metals industry.

In the 2010 member performance assessment, 15 member companies obtained a G3 A + application level under Global Reporting Initiative standards, up from eight in 2009.

Download the report (pdf) here.