Researchers at the University of Queensland have pioneered a groundbreaking technique to transform harmful mining tailings into fertile soil, potentially saving billions of dollars worldwide and offering numerous environmental advantages. Unlike traditional methods that take millennia, their process can convert tailings into healthy soil in as little as 12 months.
By harnessing specific microbes and organic matter from agricultural and urban waste, they create a natural ecosystem within the tailings. This innovation not only mitigates the environmental risks associated with mining but also holds promise for revitalizing damaged soils and reducing the need for excessive fertilizers.
