Australia's 60,000 abandoned mines range from poisoned goldrush-era mine shafts to huge, open-cut wounds on the natural landscape. Many pose grave threats to the health of our community and environment. In developing countries like India, these danger is even worse

But what if we could turn these mine sites back into thriving ecosystems, and deal with a major waste problem at the same time?

Biosolids are the organic matter left over after sewage has been treated. Distinguished Professor Andy Ball, his team at RMIT and collaborators in India are turning this unapealing into a special kind of charcoal that could revolutionise mine restoration.

And in another incredible innovation, they’re using native plant species to remove toxic contaminants from the environment.

TechNOW is a podcast about Australian innovations that are shaping the future, thanks to the Global Connections fund – a project run by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering and supported by the Australian Government.