Heavy metal pollution demonstrates a particularly detrimental by-product of the mining industry. Specifically, the impact of arsenic and other toxic waste products in soil and water basins on surrounding ecosystems, human health, and local Indigenous communities represents major ethical considerations that need to be addressed.
Mining operations often take place in or near areas inhabited by indigenous and local communities. These communities may rely on the surrounding environment for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge. Heavy metal pollution can threaten their way of life, including their access to clean water, food sources, and cultural heritage sites.
Moreover, heavy metals such as arsenic can pose severe health risks to both mine workers and nearby communities. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to various health problems, including respiratory issues, neurological disorders, organ damage, and even cancer. Not only this, but pollutants from mining can cause long-lasting damage to the environment. Contaminated water bodies, soil, and air can harm plant and animal life, disrupting entire ecosystems. .
Therefore, a synthetic biology solution must be conducted with the health of local communities, environmental ecosystems and indigenous stakeholders in mind and steps must be taken to mitigate current concerns without further exacerbation.
We held discussions with stakeholders with knowledge about the Australian and international regualtions that would govern the real world application of our project. We spoke to Bioplatforms Australia, the Australian Capital Territory Government and the Centre fro Entreunerial Agritechnology and Main Sequence Ventures.
Following our presentation to Bioplatforms Australia, we gained invaluable insights into effectively tailoring our project pitch for our prospective end users, mining companies. Additionally, Bioplatforms Australia raised our awareness about the pertinent regulations concerning phage releases. As a result, we investigated the regulations surrounding intentional phage release and consulted a representative from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) to confirm the ongoing viability of our project and its goals. Overall, these conversations shaped our decision to complete our project in two parts, a pollutant binding and accumlation module, and the phage delivery module. Therefore the success of the project and the utility of our product was not entirely dependent on release of engineered organisms.
If our phage delivery and binding projects are successful we will work with the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator to deliver the full benefits of our project.
We eagerly joined the Australasian Synbio Challenge, an event hosted by ANU that brought together seven exceptional teams from across Australia. Each team showcased their innovative synthetic biology projects, representing a culmination of a year's dedicated work. Guest speakers including professors, representatives from startups, and career/project advisors gave insight into what our futures could look like in the area of synthetic biology. This remarkable occasion provided us with a unique platform to connect with and fortify the growing synthetic biology community in Australia as well as strengthen initiatives like the Australasian Synbio Challenge that facilitate education in this area.
Engaging with teams that shared our passion for similar projects, we not only received invaluable feedback but also gained beneficial insights by observing their presentations. This collaborative experience illuminated how our project holds significance within the Australian synthetic biology landscape and the potential it carries to make a global impact.
We are eagerly preparing for our presentation at the esteemed Critical Minerals Conference hosted by ANU. This upcoming event promises us a valuable chance to explore the practical applications of our project and assess its real-world feasibility. Beyond this, as we consider the potential continuation of our project, this conference opens a significant avenue for engagement with our prospective end users, creating a promising opportunity for collaboration and further development.