What lies beneath sometimes comes out on top. Did you hear about the latest method of gold mining? From the Economist, we learn that by a careful analysis of tree leaves, it can be determined what the roots bring up from the depths. In fact, if there is gold deep underground, the roots can bring it up. Inert and almost unusable, it stays in the leaves. Although the concentration is small, (PPB – parts per billion), it can be detected with modern equipment. Unfortunately, slight variations of the particular tree and depths of their roots do matter, and much analysis is needed to make this a profitable nuevo mining technique. In Australia, this is now underway. It is only a matter of time before all minerals deep down may be detected. Who knows, maybe even new hydrocarbon sources will be found in unlikely places. Very likely, these efforts will create an entirely new field of bio-geology. You can find out more at https://www.cfact.org/2019/06/21/theres-gold
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