Story: Mining and underground resources

Experimental plot near the Tui mine

Experimental plot near the Tui mine

A small number of unusual plants absorb metals through their roots. Massey University scientist Robert Brooks (1926–2001) studied these plants, which he called hyperaccumulators, and realised that they could be used to clean up areas polluted by metal wastes.

These plants are being grown in an experimental plot near the Tui mine in Coromandel, in an attempt to find which plants would most effectively clean up this polluted area.

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Photograph by Chris Anderson

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How to cite this page:

Simon Nathan, 'Mining and underground resources - Mining regulation and education', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/9249/experimental-plot-near-the-tui-mine (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Simon Nathan, published 12 Jun 2006