The town of Port Pirie in South Australia has been grappling with toxic metal contamination caused by the lead smelter in the region, posing risks to human, animal, and marine health. However, a new metals recovery method developed by the University of South Australia and InnovEco Australia offers hope for a cleaner and healthier environment.
The technology, known as Resin in the Moist Mix (RIMM), is set to be tested in the region to recover copper, lead, and zinc from tailing dams and clays. With significantly higher metal recovery rates and lower water consumption compared to traditional methods, researchers believe RIMM could potentially recover up to 3200t of lead and 4500t of zinc in river and creek sediments around Port Pirie.
The metal contamination in Port Pirie has been attributed to emissions from smokestacks, dust blown from the site, and effluent discharged to the Pirie River and First Creek. This pollution has led to a decline in species diversity and elevated quantities of heavy metals in marine organisms, resulting in restrictions on the collection of marine benthic molluscs.
In response to the contamination, the South Australian Department of Health has implemented the Port Pirie Lead Implementation Program to reduce lead exposure, particularly in children and pregnant women. However, recent reports have shown mixed results in lead reduction efforts, with some age groups experiencing increased blood lead levels.
Associate Professor Larissa Statsenko, leading the development of the RIMM process, emphasizes the efficiency and environmental benefits of the technology, highlighting its potential to not only clean up the environment but also recover valuable metals worth millions of dollars. With the promise of a cleaner and more sustainable future, the town of Port Pirie may soon see a significant improvement in its environmental health.
