OR

Browse By

From tailings to soil: in situ remediation in mine site rehabilitation (2016–2018)

Abstract:
Over 7 Gt of tailings are produced globally every year, comprising complex mineral assemblages at extremes of pH and salinity with minimal biological activity. By enhancing and guiding abiotic and biotic processes of soil development, this project aims to accelerate the in situ remediation of bauxite residue (alumina refining tailings). This project will build detailed knowledge on the chemical, physical, and biological properties of bauxite residue and apply this to develop field-scale in situ remediation strategies. Concurrently, this research will deliver fundamental advances in our understanding of soil development and primary succession of microbial communities in extreme, anthropogenic environments such as those presented by tailings.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:

  • Professor Gordon Southam

    Professor
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
    Professor
    W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
    Sustainable Minerals Institute

  • Associate Professor Paul Jensen

    Associate Professor
    School of Chemical Engineering
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
    Associate Professor
    Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Funded by:
Australian Research Council