:: Metallophytes- potential for mineral extraction and land decontamination

Many plants in areas that are likely to be mined thrive in metalliferous soils. Known as metallophytes, they offer new ways to return vegetation to disused sites, as well as new methods of mineral extraction and land decontamination. But first they need to be catalogued, conserved and studied, as discussed in an article by Steven Whiting, David Richards and Alan Baker in the April 2003 issue of Materials World (pps. 10-12).