A groundbreaking discovery by an Australian-Canadian research team promises to transform harmful mine waste, known as “tailings,” into fertile soil. These tailings, laden with toxic heavy metals, have long posed an environmental threat.
Using cutting-edge technology at the Canadian Light Source, scientists successfully revived these lifeless waste materials with soil microbes and organic matter, turning them into arable soil within just 12 months. This innovation not only saves billions in storage costs but also offers a sustainable solution for restoring damaged soils, giving hope for a greener future in mining and agriculture.
