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...

Philex announces increased copper-gold at $1B Silangan project

Philippine-focussed Philex Mining said a recently-completed, independent mineral resource estimate indicates its Boyongan-Bayugo copper-gold prospect contains 5 B lb of copper and 9 M oz of gold. The findings by SRK Perth, Australia, for the Silangan project managed by wholly-owned Silangan Mindanao Mining Co Inc, were based on results from more than 80,000 metres of drilling by Philex by June 2010.

The project is adjacent to the Kalayaan copper-gold prospect in the southern Mindanao region, which Philex said it planned to explore with partner Manila Mining Corp.

"We estimate that the project cost for developing the Silangan project will be in the region of $1 billion over a period of three years. It will be a significant project and will probably be one of the most important for Mindanao," said Philex Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, said in a statement.