The Challenge
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We bio engineer to restore mining lands
A groundbreaking initiative by GoSi BioTech to transform environmental liabilities into sustainable opportunities through innovative bioenergy and soil restoration technology.
The Global Challenge
Abandoned mining sites worldwide suffer from severely degraded soils that hinder natural ecosystem recovery. These sites exhibit soil organic carbon levels below 1%, making them essentially biological deserts incapable of supporting vegetation without intervention. The environmental impact extends far beyond the immediate site boundaries, affecting water quality, air pollution levels, and regional biodiversity.
These sites contribute to water pollution, air quality degradation, and loss of productive land. The contamination includes dangerous levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (1–5 mg/kg), lead (100–2,000 mg/kg), and zinc (500–2,000 mg/kg), posing serious risks to human health and ecosystem function.
Hectares Affected
Global abandoned mine lands requiring restoration
5-10M
Abandoned Mines
Sites worldwide contributing to environmental degradation
1M+
Tons per Hectare
Annual erosion rate on untreated mining sites
50
The Solution
An ideal candidate for rapid soil rejuvenation due to its high yield potential, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in marginal conditions is Pakchong 1, super napier grass.
This hybrid achieves remarkable yields of 100 tons per hectare annually on a fresh weight basis, equivalent to 30 tons of dry matter. Its deep root system, extending 1.8–2.6 meters into the soil profile, provides multiple restoration benefits including erosion control, nitrogen absorption of 775.1 kg per hectare, and phytostabilization of heavy metals.
1
High Yield
100 tons per hectare annually, far exceeding native grasses at 5–10 tons
2
Drought Tolerant
Thrives in marginal conditions with minimal water requirements
3
Deep Roots
1.8–2.6 meter root system for erosion control and metal stabilization
4
Safe Biomass
Shoots maintain low metal concentrations suitable for bioenergy use
Soil Restoration Mechanisms
The Super Napier restoration approach delivers comprehensive soil improvement through three interconnected mechanisms that work synergistically to transform degraded mining lands into productive ecosystems.
This dramatic improvement transforms biological desert conditions into fertile soil capable of supporting diverse plant communities while preventing metal migration into groundwater.
Soil Organic Carbon Enhancement
Biomass incorporation, digestate application (228 tons annually), and compost amendment (30 tons per hectare) collectively increase soil organic carbon by 2–4% from baseline levels below 1%.
Erosion Control
Dense vegetative cover reduces surface soil loss to 16–20.7 mm annually, compared to 28–34.7 mm on unplanted sites. This protection preserves valuable topsoil and prevents sediment runoff.
Metal Stabilization
Root systems immobilize cadmium, lead, and zinc, reducing bioavailability and soil cadmium levels to below 0.5 mg/kg while safely sequestering contaminants in plant tissues.
Advanced R&D Enhancement
To enhance Pakchong 1's CO2 uptake and soil rejuvenation capabilities, the project includes comprehensive R&D utilizing DNA sequencing and genome editing technologies. This initiative aims to optimize the grass's photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production, directly contributing to improved carbon sequestration and soil organic matter accumulation in degraded mining sites.
Advanced Sequencing
The R&D begins with Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to map the genetic landscape of Pakchong 1. GBS identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome, enabling detailed diversity analysis. WGS provides a complete genomic blueprint, revealing structural variations and gene duplications critical for trait improvement.
These techniques target variants in key genes, which are central to the C4 photosynthetic pathway in Napier grass.
Genome Editing
Building on sequencing data, Cas9 technology is employed to precisely edit the genes. This revolutionary tool uses a guide RNA to direct the Cas9 enzyme to specific DNA sequences, allowing targeted modifications that can increase gene expression or enzyme activity.
In bioenergy grasses, such edits have shown potential to boost CO2 uptake by 20–30%, elevating annual carbon sequestration from baseline levels to 60–70 tons per hectare. Enhanced photosynthesis not only accelerates biomass accumulation but also amplifies root exudates and organic inputs to the soil.
Patent Framework
Following edits, a patent will be filed for the modified Pakchong 1 variety, securing intellectual property for scalable deployment.
Testing Protocol
The 12-month R&D timeline incorporates integrated subplot testing on the pilot site, comparing edited and non-edited plants for growth metrics, metal stabilization, and soil health indicators.
Project Objectives
1
Soil Restoration
Restore 10 hectares with 2–4% soil organic carbon increase, erosion control to 16–20.7 mm annually, and stabilization of cadmium, lead, and zinc contamination
2
Bioenergy Production
Produce 57,600 cubic meters of BioCNG annually and 171 tons of biochar, plus 228 tons of nutrient-rich digestate for soil amendment
3
Safety Assurance
Ensure safety via comprehensive metal testing with thresholds of cadmium below 1 mg/kg and lead below 300 mg/kg
4
Market Assessment
Evaluate global market opportunity across 5–10 million hectares of abandoned mine lands worldwide
Pilot Project Implementation
The 10-hectare pilot project is designed to be location-independent, adaptable to various climates and mining site conditions worldwide. It focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of Super Napier grass (Pakchong 1) for soil rejuvenation, BioCNG, and biochar production. The project launches in Q3 2026, post-permitting and planting, with an 18-month pilot duration that is scalable to 50,000 hectares by 2031–2035.
1
Site Selection & Preparation
10-hectare abandoned mining site in high-impact region (Tarkwa, Ghana; Pilbara, Australia; Witwatersrand, South Africa; or Spain). Clear debris, apply compost, conduct heavy metal testing.
2
Planting & Establishment
Source Super Napier (Pakchong 1) stem cuttings. Plant at 50 cm spacing with 2,000 cuttings per hectare. Install rainwater harvesting for irrigation.
3
Growth & Monitoring
Monitor biomass development and soil improvement. Conduct regular metal testing. Track erosion reduction and carbon sequestration.
4
Harvest & Processing
Harvest biomass. Process through digester for BioCNG production and Biochar unit for biochar creation.

Technical Specifications: Pakchong 1 stem cuttings. HLR digester processes 760 tons biomass plus 200 tons slurry, yielding 72,000 m³ BioCNG annually (150 m³/ton, 95% methane). Mobile Biochar unit operates at 500°C, converting 17.1 tons biomass to biochar with 50% yield. Agilent ICP-MS and Hach QbD1200 ensure cadmium below 1 mg/kg and lead below 300 mg/kg.
Production Streams & Market Potential
The project generates outputs through four complementary streams that leverage different aspects of the biomass production and processing cycle. BioCNG production represents the primary output, providing renewable natural gas. Digestate contributes as nutrient-rich soil amendment for agricultural applications. Carbon sequestration supports environmental goals. Biochar adds value as premium soil amendment.
BioCNG Production
57,600 m³ BioCNG production yearly from biomass processing
Digestate Amendment
228 tons of nutrient-rich digestate for agricultural applications
Carbon Sequestration
2–4% soil organic carbon increase supporting climate goals
Biochar Production
171 tons of premium biochar for soil enhancement

Global Market Opportunity: Scaling this model to just 1% of global abandoned mine lands (50,000–100,000 hectares) could address significant restoration needs. The addressable market spans multiple continents with varying regulatory environments and restoration needs. The integrated approach combining soil restoration with bioenergy production creates a unique value proposition that addresses both environmental and economic imperatives.
Regional Benefits & Global Impact
The pilot delivers transformative benefits across global mining regions, with particular relevance for Spain, Ghana, Australia, and South Africa. Each region presents unique opportunities for restoration while contributing to broader sustainability goals.
Spain
Restores 10,000–100,000 hectares of abandoned mine lands in regions like Andalusia and Asturias. Supports Common Agricultural Policy objectives while creating local employment opportunities in rural communities affected by mining decline.
Tarkwa, Ghana
Addresses 5,000+ hectares of artisanal and small-scale mining sites. Supports Ghana's Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Programme while providing alternative livelihoods for mining-dependent communities.
Pilbara, Australia
Reclaims 700,000 hectares of mining lands in Western Australia. Aligns with Mine Rehabilitation Fund requirements and demonstrates best practices for large-scale restoration in arid environments.
Witwatersrand, South Africa
Restores 500,000 hectares of gold mining lands. Reduces erosion in the Vaal River basin while addressing legacy contamination from decades of mining activity in one of the world's most historically significant mining regions.
SDG 15 Contribution
Directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land through ecosystem restoration
Job Creation
Generates 5–10 jobs per 10 hectares in rural communities
Agricultural Benefits
Provides biochar and digestate for local farming operations
Partnership & Next Steps
GoSi BioTech's Super Napier grass pilot offers a low-cost, high-impact solution to restore 5-10 million hectares of abandoned mining lands across 1-5 million sites globally. The 18-month pilot can launch in Q3 2026, creating jobs, supporting the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, and scaling to significant impact by 2035.
We invite investors, governments, NGOs, and industry to partner with us, in collaboration, to transform environmental liabilities into sustainable opportunities.
Key Outcomes
  • 57,600 m³ BioCNG production yearly
  • 2–4% soil organic carbon increase
  • Safe metal stabilization protocols
  • Patentable R&D for licensing and sale post-pilot success
Partner With Us
To launch the pilot successfully, GoSi BioTech seeks collaboration from investors, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners.