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...

Sharyn Gol receives final government approvals for Mongolian coal mine

Mongolian-listed Sharyn Gol JSC (MSE: SHG) has announced that the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism has accepted its Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the planned new open pit mine at the Shaazgait thermal coal deposit. Following the recent approval of its Feasibility Study by the Mineral Resources Authority of Mongolia, Sharyn Gol has now received all government approvals necessary to launch operations at Shaazgait.

The new opencast mine will enable Sharyn Gol to retain its role as a supplier of low ash, low sulfur, and high calorific value product to the local market. Additionally, the company reports it is well positioned to utilize its existing infrastructure to expand into both regional and international thermal coal markets.

Recent coal washability test work, performed by the internationally accredited Stewart Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar, indicated that a product with 6500 kcal/kg heat value, less than 10% ash and 0.5% sulphur (all air dried basis) can be produced with high plant yields. These results are consistent with Sharyn Gol being able to produce a premium export quality thermal coal.