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...

Olympus Pacific pours first gold dore bar at Phuoc Son Gold Plant in Vietnam.

Olympus Pacific Minerals Inc has successfully poured its first gold dore bar weighing 11.1 kilos at the newly commissioned Phuoc Son Gold Plant in Vietnam.

Previous production from the plant had been processed through the company's Bong Mieu Gold Room while technicians finished commissioning the Phuoc Son gold room.

The Phuoc Son Gold Plant has a plated capacity of 500 t/d with features incorporated to allow increased capacity to 1,000 t/d with minimal capital expenditure.

Vietnam production in 2011 is forecast to range between 40,000 and 45,000 oz, which will generate net operating cash for Olympus Pacific to continue exploration and development over its four core properties located in Vietnam, East Malaysia and the Philippines.