Leo
Abstract
The project involves guiding a transformation that reshapes Silver Peak Town into a sustainable and ecologically conscious landscape, blending technological efficiencies with the unique vernaculars of the place. Despite the negative impacts of mining in various aspects, the Biden administration is not reducing mining; instead, they are increasing support for it, recognizing the inevitability of human mining activities. We cannot ignore the importance and inevitability of lithium mining in our current society. Instead, as a designer, I believe that we have been given a second chance to do it right this time, ensuring that our work does not repeat past mistakes and that we can minimize the negative impact of the human footprint in mining lands. We aim to restore the ecosystem after the mines are decommissioned. We neglected the fact that humans often leave waste behind; it’s almost like our second nature. It’s nearly impossible to expect the site to return to its former state once humans have finished with lithium mining. So, the problem is not just how to pack up and leave, but also how to turn our waste into compost, accelerating the process of restoring nature.
This initiative involves a carefully orchestrated metamorphosis aimed at transforming the Silver Peak mine into a sustainable and environmentally conscious terrain. It seamlessly integrates technological advancements with the distinct characteristics of the location. The project envisions implementing these changes at the designated post-mine site of Silver Peak in the future. The approach involves employing specialized robots designed to transport contaminated tailings and prepare the soil composition, and a series of infrastructures such as silo, water tower, and robot chargers station that are implemented with energy transition designs. This innovative method is intended to facilitate the restoration of the mine site to its original condition, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of local wildlife habitats.
In the face of these challenges, it’s notable that the Biden administration isn’t scaling back mining; instead, they’re amplifying support, recognizing the inescapable reality of human mining activities. Although mining is causing water contamination and disrupting wildlife habitats, the mining activities often encroach on lands traditionally inhabited by indigenous communities, leading to land rights conflicts and potential disruptions to their ways of life and cultural heritage.
We cannot ignore the importance and inevitability of lithium mining in our current society. Instead, as a designer, I believe that we have been given a second chance to do it right this time, ensuring that our work does not repeat past mistakes and that we can minimize the negative impact of the human footprint in mining lands. I aim to restore the ecosystem after the mine is decommissioned.
As we delve into the situation, it’s essential to recognize the numerous upcoming opportunities. Many mines are anticipated to shut down in the coming years, presenting a unique chance for positive change. To put things into perspective, the scale of new mines ready to open in just the state of Nevada is so substantial that it challenges our comprehension.
Comparing this to the closure of only nine mines across the entire Asia Pacific continent highlights the magnitude of the issue. It underscores the urgency to address the environmental impact of these mining activities and emphasizes the potential for positive transformation as we navigate this evolving landscape.
Now. I want to invite you to Nevada, where I’ve conducted in-depth research to comprehend the current state-level conditions. In the accompanying slide, I’ve outlined instances of this research, providing insight into the diverse landscapes prevalent in the region. From stunning ecosystems to the unfortunate reality of polluted or insufficient water sources, the images capture the varied facets of this area.
Additionally, you’ll witness the lasting traces left behind by decades of mining and industrial activities, offering a poignant glimpse into the region’s history and the challenges we face. My field trip in Nevada offers an invaluable opportunity to engage firsthand with the complex dynamics and explore potential sustainable solutions for the future.
Silver Peak holds a unique position on the boundary between the Great Basin Desert and the Mojave, preserving a diverse mosaic of ecological habitats and a rich 10,000-year history of human connection with the desert. This location offers extensive opportunities to engage with desert landscapes and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the increasingly threatened resources of the Mojave Desert.
Interestingly, we observed residents in the area domesticating animals that are not native to the region. This practice might raise concerns about the potential long-term effects on the ecosystem, especially after the mine is decommissioned. As we explore sustainable solutions for the future, it becomes crucial to address the ecological consequences and work towards restoring the delicate balance of this unique desert environment.
Lithium mine tailings, also known as lithium mining waste, can contain various chemical compounds and elements depending on the specific mining and extraction processes used. The composition of tailings can vary between different lithium deposits and mining operations.
It’s important to note that the environmental impact of lithium mining and its tailings depends not only on the chemical composition but also on how the tailings are managed and treated. Mining operations often implement measures to minimize the environmental impact and potential leaching of harmful substances from the tailings into nearby ecosystems.
In the case of Silver Peak, currently the sole operating mine in the entire US, these issues become strikingly evident.
Despite the expectation of prosperity and the belief that lithium extraction might positively impact the communities, our visit revealed a starkly contrasting reality. Instead of affluence, we were confronted with widespread poverty, abandonment, and a glaring absence of wealth. This realization was both eye-opening and shocking.
Motivated by this experience, I made a decision to center my focus for the semester on envisioning a different and more positive trajectory. I aim to explore and imagine how things can and should be different moving forward, with the goal of contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for Silver Peak and its communities.
As designers, can we engage mine?
Can we work towards a return the land in
engage in the lifecycle of a mine?
a decommission that will in a better state?
The project aims to move a degraded ecosystem to a trajectory of recovery that allows adaptation to local and global changes, as well as persistence, ultimately enabling continued evolution of its biodiversity and functionality. Mine closure occurs when all mining activities have ceased, but the mine owner remains responsible for environmental compliance of the site.
Based on the unique environment of Silver Peak, I have developed a series of restorative practices to return a decommissioned mine site to its original condition. My project, LithiMorphic, focuses on the three most crucial phases out of the seven: from the mine being decommissioned to the initiation of ecological restoration.
The project envisions the integration of cutting-edge and conceptual machinery to propel it forward. This forward-thinking approach includes the deployment of specialized robots designed for the crucial tasks of transporting contaminated tailings and prveparing the soil composition.
Complementing this robotic workforce, a series of infrastructures, including silos, water towers, and robot charging stations, will be strategically implemented with energy transition designs. This innovative method is intended to facilitate the restoration of the mine site to its original condition, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of local wildlife habitats.
F-1 F-2 F-3
Allow me to introduce you to MorphoBot, a versatile and transformative robotic solution designed to adapt to various stages of the project. MorphoBot boasts four distinct forms, each serving a specific purpose to facilitate the project seamlessly.
In its initial resting state, MorphoBot elongates its wind turbine pole to harness wind power, simultaneously analyzing tailing soil and preparing new soil. When in motion, the robot transitions to form two, shortening its pole and utilizing tracks designed for the mine pond to efficiently move around and transport materials.
F-3
F-4 charge station
The third form introduces a fly function, transforming the wind turbines into aircraft propellers. This allows MorphoBot to cover long distances and construct infrastructures in elevated locations. Lastly, in form four, also in flying mode, MorphoBot excels in transporting materials and soil to further enhance the efficiency of the project. The last one is the charging station for robots, equipped with solar panels to power up the robots.
EvapoBot water tower
In addition to MorphoBot, the modified infrastructures play a crucial role in the project’s success. Recognizing the significance of water in nurturing new life, especially in the initial stages, we introduce EvapoBot as a key component. This water collecting infrastructure is strategically placed on the surface of the ongoing lithium mine pond, harnessing water from the vapor in the pond. Given the unreliable nature of rainwater in Silver Peak and the substantial water usage in mining, reusing water becomes a critical aspect of our sustainable approach.
For the green energy transition, the water tower takes center stage with a unique design featuring solar panels arranged in the shape of flower petals. This innovative configuration allows the solar panels to adjust their position, maximizing the reception of solar power.
Moving on to the two silo infrastructures, they are specialized containers for different materials aimed at remediating the contaminated mine site. Equipped with solar panels mounted on ringshaped tracks, these panels have the capability to move and adjust their positions, ensuring optimal exposure to sunlight for efficient energy harnessing.
silo-1 silo-2
Now, let’s delve into the initiation phase of the project. Once the pond is decommissioned, trucks will transport the necessary materials, including MorphoBot and the components of the infrastructures, to the site. In a highly automated process, MorphoBot takes flight, skillfully maneuvering to assemble all the infrastructures with minimal human intervention.
In the concluding stage of the project, just before the infrastructures are to be removed, MorphoBots take center stage. These versatile robots extract materials from the silos and prepare the soil on the plates contained within them. Subsequently, the MorphoBots strategically deposit the prepared soil onto designated locations, constructing the foundations for the new landscape. This phase represents the culmination of the project, showcasing the transformative impact of advanced technology on ecological restoration.
post tailing location weathered mixed
Given that the mine is operated by different companies, the decommissioning of ponds will unfold gradually over time. This slide illustrates the step-by-step process of the mine’s transformation and its gradual transformation. It depicts how the prepared soil mounts seamlessly integrate into the landscape, releasing essential materials such as phosphate compounds, microorganisms, and calcium carbonate to neutralize contamination.
The preparation of the soil contributes to the multifaceted ecological restoration of the site, further enhancing its resilience and environmental sustainability.
mixed soil mount transition to the nature area
While the site will never return to its former state after lithium extraction happen, the remediation of soil and careful reintroduction of wildlife can be choreographed. Incremental as the process of mining decommissioning that guides the exit of the companies, Lithium-Morphic aims to shape the processes that to turn waste into compost, accelerating the process of restoration.