Biochar Kiln Demo and Mining Applications Discussion

LOCATION: Cobre Valley Recreation Center, 4877 W Cypress Way Miami, AZ 85539

WORKSHOP GOAL: Raise awareness about biochar and demonstrate biochar production using a flame-cap kiln and facilitate a discussion to explore the potential of using biochar for mining application and water quality.

EVENT DESCRIPTION: Biochar is multi-benefit carbon material made by the pyrolysis of waste biomass, including hazardous forest fuels, invasive weeds, WUI and yard waste and agriculture residues. It can be used as a soil amendment, a sorbent for contaminant adsorption and for heat energy. Since it is a carbon negative technology, it is an actionable way to meaningfully sequester carbon. Awareness about it benefits and matching production with appropriate markets are big challenges currently. Research into its adsorptive properties demonstrate promise for various water quality and mining applications. At the event, participants will engage in a live biochar kiln demonstration, listen to presentations from university researchers about biochar and its applications for water quality and mining applications, and share in a discussion on opportunities and challenges for its use locally.

VIRTUAL DESCRIPTION: The virtual part of the program will available between 11am and 12:15pm. We will hear from Drs Fidel and Ghosh about using biochar for water quality and potential mining applications and the discussion. The outdoor portion of the workshop will not be available virtually due to a/v limitations. 

AUDIENCE: Open to the public: Hazardous fuel reduction managers and volunteers, gardeners and composters, homeowners, ranchers, landfill & waste management industry, non-industrial private forest lands, state, county, tribal and federal lands, mining companies, turf industry, sawmills, horticulture and agriculture industry. Cost: TBD.

PRESENTERS: Chris Jones, Extension Agent, UA; Dr Rivka Fidel, UA; Dr. Dipita Ghosh, NAU

University of Arizona Gila County Cooperative Extension      In partnership and with special thanks to:

5515 S Apache Avenue, Suite 600 Globe, AZ 85501              Cobre Valley Recreation Center and

Phone: (928) 402-8586                                                             Freeport-McMoRan Miami Operations

Email: ckjones@email.arizona.edu                                            Miami, AZ