A proposed Monsanto Co. phosphate mine slated to produce ingredients for Roundup weedkiller generated nearly 7,000 public comments, including from a former U.S. Interior secretary who urges its approval and the Environmental Protection Agency, which wants additional pollution safeguards.
Chilean chemical solutions firm Sinquiver is looking into marketing urine separation systems in Chile, the firm’s wastewater manager Alistair Marsh told BNamericas.
There are several advantages to the system, according to Marsh. “First of all, you don’t need freshwater to flush urine so you save on water use and costs,” he said.
The concept involves installing a different pipeline which would channel the urine to be stored in a tank. “Urine is a huge source of nitrogen and phosphate which could then be used for the production of fertilizer,” Marsh said.
“This kind of system would be especially useful in mining operations which involve a large number of people,” said Marsh, adding: “It would save water while simultaneously providing a source of fertilizer for local farmers.”
An additional benefit is that by taking the urine out of sewage, wastewater is easier to treat.
Urine accounts for less than 1% of wastewater but it contains about 80% of the nitrogen, 50% of the phosphate and 70% of the potassium, all of which must be removed. Nutrient removal is the most difficult aspect of wastewater treatment. By separating the urine at source, studies have shown energy savings of 25% at wastewater treatment plants.
“We are looking to offer urine-separating toilets to municipalities and companies that employ a large number of people such as malls and hotels, among others,” Marsh said.
“Wastewater treatment is still very new in Latin America but there is a great need for it and that is where we come in,” said Marsh, adding: “Sinquiver is looking for the best technology and solutions to introduce into the local market.”
In addition to wastewater treatment, the company provides solutions for the wood and paper industry, and sells industrial equipment.
Source: Greta Bourke, BNamericas.com [subscription site], 19 Nov 2009
Gem or gold mining is a fun and sometimes profitable hobby. Kids love anything where they can dirty and find something cool. Adults enjoy possibly getting some jewelry made from a gemstone they find themselves. And who knows you may even find some gold or a gemstone worth selling and making a buck. This article is about gem mining in California that is open to the public. California has a rich history of mining and you can take part in that yourself. All the California gem mines listed will have a website link.
Oceanview Mine
The Oceanview Mine is located in San Diego County's Pala Mining District and is the last operating gem mine there. Visit their website here for pricing and more information. This is screen mining from what falls on the floor during blasting in the mine. The Oceanview Mine in California also sells jewelry and mine rough. Quartz, kunzite, tourmaline, beryl are some of the things you may find at the Oceanview Mine.
Himalaya Tourmaline Mine
The Himalaya Tourmaline Mine is also in San Diego County, California. They have been open since 1898! According to their website which you should visit here, they have produced more Tourmaline than any other mine in the world. Cabins, camping and RV hookups mean you can stay right there while doing your rock hounding in California. This California mine has been featured on the Travel Channel.
California State Gem Mine
The California State Gem Mine is a Benitoite mine is located in Coalinga California and their website is here. At this time (check website for changes) the prices are $70 a day for adults, 12 and under is $20. Rockhound members from any Federation club get a 50% discount on admission. They are open on weekends only, from 9 am to 3 pm. You need to bring lunch and drinks as well as clear safety glasses, and lawn chairs. Kids and pets are permitted if they (pets) are leashed. Personally I probably would have to leash my kids as well.
Cave Mine Adventures
Check the website here for pricing and other details. They have flumes at Black Chasm Cavern, Moaning Cavern, California Cavern and Sutter Gold Mine. At these mines you can do gemstone mining or gold panning, or buy bags of material already screened. I like the fact that you can also buy an arrowhead bag, as I love Indian or historical stuff.
Cryo-GenieMine
Another San Diego County California mine, there website can be found here. $40 a day (at this time) gets you a mine lease to go through material missed in regular mining operations. You are allowed to use only hand tools at this California Tourmaline mine.
Sources
http://cash-and-treasures-wiki.travelchannel.com
Photo used comes form Wikimedia Commons and the Creative CommonsAttribution 2.0 License
