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.
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| 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 industries and economic opportunities in remote and regional Australia.
The Environmental Challenge of Mining
Mining, a pillar of Australia’s economy, leaves behind a complex environmental legacy. Acid mine drainage (AMD), poor water quality, dust pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil degradation are long-standing challenges that persist long after mine closures. However, these issues may be more manageable with innovative technologies like algae cultivation and processing.
CSIRO’s Senior Principal Research Scientist, Dr. Anna Kaksonen, who led the desktop study, emphasizes the value of leveraging algae’s natural strengths: “They grow relatively quickly, fix carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and produce organic biomass that can be used directly on site or processed into valuable products.”
Tackling Mine Water and Soil with Algae
One of the study’s most promising findings is algae’s potential to treat mine wastewater. Depending on specific site conditions, algae can **remove metals and sulfates directly**, or act as a bioresource that powers other biological treatment methods, like sulfate reduction.
“Many Australian mine sites have poor water quality, often with high levels of sulfate or metals,” says Kaksonen. “If algae can help improve the water quality, it can be an important tool for water treatment.”
Furthermore, algae may be a game-changer for mine site revegetation. The stripping and stockpiling of topsoil during mine operations often leads to degraded soils that are poor for replanting. But algal biomass, applied as a soil amendment, can increase soil organic content and support plant growth, helping mine sites heal more efficiently once operations cease.
Economic Co-Benefits and New Post-Mining Industries
Beyond the environmental upside, the study identified compelling economic and social opportunities tied to algae cultivation. Different algae species can produce a wide array of high-value products—including biofuels, pigments, animal feed, and bioplastics, which opens the door for new industries to take root in former mining regions.
“There are already large-scale algae operations in Australia, just not yet in mining context,” Kaksonen notes. “This project is about improving our understanding of what would be technically, environmentally, and economically feasible.”
With remote mine sites often far from processing infrastructure, the ability to cultivate algae on-site not only boosts environmental outcomes but also reduces transport costs and reliance on distant supply chains.
Collaboration and Inclusion as Core Pillars
The study involved broad collaboration with partners including South32, Fortescue, Rio Tinto, Energy Australia, and the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, among others. It also integrated input from Indigenous consultants, resulting in a First Nations Engagement Framework designed by Regional Economic Solutions.
“We want to understand how these technologies could benefit Indigenous communities who live near or care for the land around mine sites,” Kaksonen says. The framework provides a guide for engaging First Nations communities, identifying shared values and opportunities for co-ownership and leadership in future algae-based rehabilitation initiatives.
What’s Next: Bench Trials and Biosecurity
With the desktop phase complete, the team is now seeking funding and partners to undertake bench-scale experiments. Plans for this second stage include:
- DNA analysis of native algae species from mine waters
- Testing growth potential of algae with site-specific water samples
- Evaluating wastewater treatment performance
- Developing algae-enhanced soil products for revegetation
- Conducting techno-economic and lifecycle assessments
- Engaging First Nations communities for culturally appropriate implementation
Kaksonen stresses that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. “Australia’s mining regions are incredibly diverse—from rainfall and temperature to water quality and remediation priorities. We’ll need a range of algae types and technologies to match those different conditions.”
Tiny Organisms, Enormous Opportunity
The vision put forward by CSIRO is as hopeful as it is practical. Algae aren’t just about cleaning up messes—they represent an opportunity to reimagine mining’s endgame in ways that are regenerative, circular, and inclusive. With the right investment and cross-sector collaboration, algal technologies could become a cornerstone of Australia's push for cleaner, smarter, and more socially responsible mining futures.
For the Indo-Pacific region, where mining plays a central role in economies and ecosystems alike, this research holds important implications. It provides a model of innovation grounded in science, supported by industry, and shaped by community voices, foundation that could help the region lead the way in post-mining transition strategies.
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Download the full Stage 1 report for Project 3.15: Algae-based technologies for improved environmental outcomes and sustainable post-mining futures,