Algae-based technologies for improved environmental outcomes and sustainable post-mining futures (stage 1)
Research Program
Operational Solutions
Project Leader
Dr Anna Kaksonen
Project ID
3.15
Summary
Mining activities can result in severe environmental impacts due to the removal of vegetation and topsoil, generation of large volumes of mine wastes and toxic mine drainage and process effluents. Acid mine drainage (AMD) can originate from ore, waste rock piles, tailings, pit walls and underground workings, as sulfidic minerals are oxidised when exposed to air and water.
Depending on mineralogy and a combination of physical, chemical biological factors, AMD may contain sulfate, selenate, uranium, metals, salts and acidity (International Network for Acid Prevention, 2014). Moreover, nitrate may be present in mine waters as a result of the use of explosives (Yan et al., 2022).
Mining operations also cause greenhouse gas emissions and thus contribute to global warming due to high energy consumption. Approximately 5-7% of all energy generated globally from fossil, nuclear fuels and renewable sources has been estimated be used for mining practices, such as drilling, blasting, excavating, hauling rock to surface, crushing and grinding (Johnson, 2015).
This project aims to review existing knowledge and technology and identify the research gaps. Further identifying types of algae that could be grown in mine water, and reviewing micro- and macroalgal culturing and harvesting technologies that could be applied to mine sites to develop a business case by estimating the costs of setting up algal growth systems and achievable algal biomass growth yields.
Project Partners
CSIRO, Rio Tinto, Fortescue Metals Group, Murdoch University, South32, The University of Queensland, Hanson Construction, EnergyAustralia
Advisory Participants
Office of the Queensland Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner, Stanmore Resources, Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia, WSP, WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
Duration
12 months