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...

Sovereign Gold to fund Ibam Hill gold JV exploration in Malaysia

Australian-listed Sovereign Gold Company has entered into a 50% joint venture in the advanced Ibam Hill gold exploration project in Malaysia through Almusyarakah Mining Minerals SDN BHD. AAM's founder and chairman is Abdul Hakam, a prominent banker. Through its 100% subsidiary MAS Gold Pty Ltd, Sovereign Gold will fund development of the project up to A$1.5 million and also provide expertise.

The project is located in the Eastern Gold Belt in the Malaysian state of Pahang in the Bukit Ibam State Forest Reserve, 152 km from Kuala Lumpur. An initial exploration target of 100,000-150,000 oz gold has been set for the near surface, open pitable resource that averages 1-2 g/t of gold.

Sovereign Gold’s CEO, Nick Raffan and Chief Geologist, Michael Leu will oversee the project through participation on the project management committee and the company has appointed Tan Sri Ibrahim Menudin, former group chief executive of Malaysian Mining Corporation and Richard Yap, director of business development for TA Enterprise Berhad, as advisers to the project.