Can mining waste be used as a fertiliser?

Cheap volcanic rock that languishes in open cut mines and quarries could transform Australia’s farming sector as a natural fertiliser, boosting crop yields and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It turns out that crushed basalt – a common rock used to make roads, houses, schools and hospitals – may address two very critical issues of our time: climate change and acidic soils. University of South Australia (UniSA) environmental researcher Dr Binoy Sarkar is leading an Enhanced Rock Weathering trial that involves applying crushed basalt to agricultural soils, measuring its nutrient release and carbon capture. Full details here: https://unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2025/tackling-a-$1.2-billion-problem-for-australian-farmers--using-dirt-cheap-crushed-volcanic-rock/ Credit for provided photos and videos: Professor Paul Nelson For more from University of South Australia visit: UniSA Homepage: https://www.unisa.edu.au/ UniSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UniSA/ UniSA Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/UniversitySA UniSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/universitysa/ UniSA Weibo: http://weibo.com/studyatunisa CRICOS provider number 00121B / Australian University provider number PRV12107