ABSTRACT

The unrealized resource of plant species naturally occurring on metalliferous soils (“metallophytes”) could provide the minerals industry with an economic and sustainable means of mine site rehabilitation and effective progression toward mine closure. Phytomining offers the potential to capitalize on subeconomic ore bodies, particularly ultramafic regoliths. This technology could complement conventional strip-mining methods as part of the subsequent rehabilitation strategy and presents a potential use for hyperaccumulator species in commercial “metal farming.” Research field trials recently established by our team include both Mediterranean (Albania, Spain, and Greece) and tropical (Malaysia, Indonesia) climatic conditions and species. Field-scale demonstrations are required to provide evidence of real-life performance and of economic viability. If the trials are successful, phytomining may in the near future support local livelihoods with income opportunities as an alternative type of agriculture to farm nickel, which was recently defined as “agromining.”