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...

Xanadu Noble alliance moves ahead on Nuurstei coking coal in Mongolia

Xanadu Mines has finalised a farm-in agreement with the Noble Group for the Nuurstei coking coal project in Mongolia.

Through Ekhgoviin Chuluu LLC, a company set up as the vehicle for Xanadu Noble alliance projects, Xanadu can earn up to 80% of the Nuurstei coking coal licenses over four years by spending up to $1.5 million on drilling to earn the first 60% followed by a commitment to complete a JORC resource to earn a further 20%.

“Nuurstei demonstrates the determination by the alliance to become the principal mid-tier coking coal group operating in Mongolia, now commonly referred to as an emerging energy and metals powerhouse,” Brian Thornton, Xanadu's Chairman said.