22. Agromining Metals: The Future Of Pottery Colour?

Written By Katherine Tomlinson

Oxford Clay Podcast

Episode 22: Agromining Metals: The Future Of Pottery Colour?

Agromining is the practice of using plants to mine metals from the soil. In this episode we explore what agromining is, and how it could be used in the future to create eco-conscious colour in pottery.

As plants grow they take up metals in the soil, and store them in their tissues. Scientists can extract these metals by harvesting the plants, drying and burning them and extracting the metals. The hyperaccumulator plants used in agromining can also be used to decontaminate polluted soil.

Katherine Tomlinson

A Potter for over 25 years, Katherine is passionate about eco-conscious pottery materials and practices. She has created books and courses to help other Potters find the information they need. Listen to the Oxford Clay podcast for more pottery tips. You can contact Katherine here.

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