AM/NS India, ICAR-IARI Explore Iron Ore Tailings for Agriculture

AM/NS India and ICAR-IARI are working together to find a useful purpose for iron ore tailings.

Tailings are leftover material produced when iron ore is processed.

Scientists found that this material contains minerals that plants and soil may be able to use.

Early tests were conducted in New Delhi and near a mining facility in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh.

The tests showed promising results for paddy, wheat and vegetables.

The researchers will now study the material over several growing seasons.

They will check whether it is safe, whether crops can use its nutrients and whether it harms soil or water.

The goal is to turn mining waste into a safe agricultural resource instead of storing it for a long time.