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...

Indian government clears 77 coal projects

The Indian government has "cleared" 77 Coal India projects with a production capacity of almost 185 Mt. According to the Outcome Budget 2011-12 document, the projects are among 142 projects identified by CIL and included in the XI Plan (2007-2012). The remaining 65 projects, with a capacity of 195 Mt are at different stages of approval.

The Coal Ministry had earlier said that 46 CIL projects were delayed due to various reasons, including environmental hurdles.