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...

Forging the Mining-Space connection: How mining expertise is driving Lunar exploration

As mining and space industries converge, Australia’s expertise in mining automation and technology is placing it at the forefront of lunar exploration. Michelle Keegan, director of AROSE, believes collaborations between these sectors will redefine mining and space operations. With NASA eyeing Australian innovation, the upcoming IMARC summit promises to accelerate this unique partnership.


IN A FUTURE where terrestrial mining and space exploration operate hand in hand, Australia’s leadership in mining automation could become pivotal. Michelle Keegan, director of resources and space at AROSE (Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth), has high hopes for advancing collaboration between these two industries. 

The stakes are high, as Australia’s contributions to automation and remote operations are setting it apart as a key player in NASA’s ambitions for the Moon and beyond.

At a recent NASA-hosted summit its Ames Research Park in California, Australian mining representatives saw firsthand how USA space missions are leveraging automation and autonomy—skills honed by Australia’s robust mining equipment, technology, and services (METS) sector. 

“Australia is the early adopter and leader in mining automation,” Keegan told Richard Roberts, Editorial Director at Beacon Events, pointing out that over 60% of global mining software originates from Australia. NASA’s interest is clear: Australia’s advancements in autonomy and remote mining operations may hold the answers to challenges in lunar and planetary exploration.

New Synergies: Mining for the Moon

Australia’s path to the Moon has already begun. Fleet Space Technologies, an Adelaide-based company with strong roots in terrestrial mineral surveying, is developing a remote-operated lunar rover for NASA’s Artemis mission, marking the first of many collaborations. The Australian delegation at NASA Ames gained insights into mission-critical technologies, from payload-directed data collection to zero-footprint exploration. 

"Exploration and resource definition are the foundations for both sectors," Keegan explained. "Our evolving knowledge in these areas is paving the way for faster and smarter projects on Earth—and, soon, on the Moon."

Mining leaders are now actively exploring ways to reduce environmental impact through space-inspired technologies, an urgent priority as regulatory pressures increase. By using space-driven advancements in satellite imagery, autonomous robotics, and renewable power, the mining industry can develop less invasive exploration techniques to minimize land disturbance and streamline project approvals.

Keegan believes collaboration between senior mining and space professionals at the 2024 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney, Australia, could accelerate these innovations. 

With an information-rich program set for 30 October 2024, Keegan aims to deepen cross-industry ties, highlighting that “the space industry is already reshaping mining through communications, autonomy, and renewable energy.” 

“The right calibre of mining and METS leader is definitely there,” she said. “IMARC is about lifting up the level of discussion and seeking investment to take the mining-space overlap forward,”