Webinar: Microbial Applications in Mining and Tailings Dam Failures
Legion Drilling organises a webinar on microbial applications in mining and tailings dams where we will learn more about the benefits of molecular biological tools beyond their better known use in contaminated land remediation (bioremediation, activated carbon injection or monitored natural attenuation to name a few)
Molecular biological tools are emerging as a new standard for many mining, tailings and geo-environmental applications. Join Dora Taggart from Microbial Insights USA to learn how microbes can help in the management of tailings dam failures, acid mine drainage problems or the recovery of rare earth elements and other valuable metals.
This technical webinar will start with an introduction to the role microbes play in mining and hydrogeological environments. Over the past three decades, we have experienced a remarkable evolution in our understanding of microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments, facilitated by advanced molecular tools. It is impressive to note that these microscopic organisms not only endure but flourish under challenging conditions, such as elevated temperatures and low pH levels. Leveraging their exceptional attributes, we have the potential to transform our approaches to managing acid mine drainage and expedite the reclamation of mining sites. We can also use them to establish baseline data after a tailings dam failure, as it has been recently done by Microbial Insights in the Chambishi Mine TSF in Zambia.
This is merely the beginning. These extraordinary microbes are also crucial in the recovery of various metals, notably the sought-after rare earth elements (REEs). Recent research highlights the significant contributions of bacteria and fungi in the natural cycling of REEs, offering a promising and more sustainable alternative to conventional chemical extraction methods. This innovative strategy has already demonstrated potential, achieving recovery rates of up to 95% from complex sources and waste materials. The possibilities are vast, and the outlook is increasingly positive, all thanks to these exceptional microorganisms.
Join us for an informative webinar that will explore:
1. The significance of microbes in the context of acid mine drainage (AMD)
---Understanding the formation and acceleration processes of oxidizing sulfide materials that contribute to the release of sulfuric acid and dissolved metals;
---An examination of both the beneficial and adverse effects of microbes, contingent upon their specific roles;
---Strategies for improved management of AMD;
---The concept of AMD as an ecological niche.
2. The role of microbes in the recovery and refinement of metals:
---An overview of the current practices in this field;
---Insights into future advancements such as enhanced metal recovery with proteins and chelators, and application of proteins for the removal of impurities.
The information presented in this webinar will also be valuable for practitioners working in other areas where molecular tools can provide essential data, including: contaminated land remediation methods such as bioremediation, activated carbon injection or monitored natural attenuation, landfills, water quality and microbial source tracking, produced water, microbiologically-induced corrosion, tailings stabilisation or bioprospecting.
The webinar will end with a Q&A session (not recorded). Register asap and don't miss out!
Speaker: Dora Taggart is the CEO of Microbial Insights and has been involved in the assessment of complex projects such as the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio (which resulted in the release of 380,000 L of vinyl chloride and other hazardous substances), or the 2025 Chambishi Mine TSF failure in Zambia. Recently, Microbial Insights became part of the Vanderbilt University's Space-Edge Accelerator Program, where it will help to perform DNA extractions of samples while still in space by using Bio-Extract™ kits.
Since Dora joined Microbial Insights in 2001, the array of molecular biological tools (MBTs) developed and validated at Microbial Insights has been greatly expanded from the first commercial qPCR analysis (Dehalococcoides) through the development of the QuantArray® and commercialization of stable isotope probing (SIP) to the MI Database. Dora personally analyzed the first commercial Dehalococcoides qPCR samples and continues to propel MI forward by collaborating with leading researchers in academia and federal agencies to ensure that MI remains on the cutting edge. As CEO, Dora has become a global ambassador for MBTs, regularly presenting as an invited speaker at environmental, corrosion and mining conferences, leading hundreds of technical workshops worldwide, and co-authoring guidance documents with groups like the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) EMD team to support appropriate use and interpretation of MBTs.
When: Thursday 21 August from 11am to 12:30pm AEST (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne time)
Link to registration form:
This webinar is organised in collaboration with Site Investigation Supply, exclusive representative of Microbial Insights in Australia.