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Eco-engineering soil from mine tailings for native plant rehabilitation (2016–2020)

Abstract:
Sustainable rehabilitation of tailings at metal mine sites is severely constrained by soil resource deficiency. Building on our recent findings of critical processes in soil formation from Cu/Pb-Zn tailings, we aim to develop an integrated technology through eco-engineering the mineralogy and organic constituents of tailings to initiate and accelerate soil formation by using magnetite tailings as a template. The technology will be underpinned by research to mediate and stimulate key biogeochemical and rhizosphere processes in the tailing-soil towards a functional 'technosol'. We aim to apply this technology at metal mines in Australia, to offset the soil required for rehabilitating tailings landforms with native plant communities.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:

  • Professor Longbin Huang

    Program Leader/Prof Res Fellow
    Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation
    Sustainable Minerals Institute

  • Professor Gordon Southam

    Professor
    School of the Environment
    Faculty of Science
    Professor
    W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
    Sustainable Minerals Institute
Funded by:
Australian Research Council