Andrew Harley, Ph.D.

Dr. Andrew Harley has more than 35 years of experience delivering environmental solutions to resource and industrial clients. With a background in geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, soil science, plant nutrition and agronomy, Andrew integrates innovative solutions to reduce costs and improve efficiencies throughout the mine life cycle. 

Andrew has particular experience in mine closure and reclamation, especially in moving from geochemical process to soil forming processes allowing for the development of sustainable vegetative cover that addresses physical and chemical challenges of reclaiming mine waste. Andrew has integrated these approaches into designing systems including carbon sequestration, increased biodiversity and water storage that can support the natural capital of mine assets, enhancing the value of all resources controlled by mining companies.

Publications & Presentations 

• (2024) Panel Discussion Participant “De-Risking Mine Permitting”, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration’s NY 9th Annual Current Trends in Mining Finance.
• (2023) Chair of Panel Discussion “ESG and Responsible Mining”, American Exploration & Mining Association Annual Meeting.
• Carson, J., A. Harley, L. Abbott, and D. Gleeson. 2012. Adding Value to Organic Pasture: Microbes and Minerals, Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, p. 49.
• Harley, A. 2011. Biochar for Reclamation: The Role of Biochar in the Carbon Dynamics in Drastically Disturbed Soils. In J. Levine, ed., Focused Biochar Report: Assessment of Biochar’s Benefits for the United States of America, p. 27-38. The Center for Energy and Environmental Security and The United States Biochar Initiative.
• Harley, A. 2013. The Adoption of the Soil Equilibrium Approach to Solving Hydrogeochemical Problems: Reliable Mine Water Technology - IMWA 2013, p. 359-365.
• Harley, A., and R. Gilkes. 2000. Factors influencing the release of plant nutrient elements from silicate rock powders: a geochemical overview. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, v. 56, p. 11-36.
• Hudson, A., A. Hussey, A. Harley, and T. Dyhr. 2015. Simulating the performance of a dry stack tailings design for water control permitting. 10th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage/International Mine Water Association 2015 Conference.
• Ippolito, J., C. Berry, D. Strawn, J. Novak, J. Levine, and A. Harley. 2017. Biochars reduce mine land soil bioavailable metals.  Journal of Environmental Quality, doi:10.2134/jeq2016.10.0388.
• Peltz, C.D., and A. Harley. 2016. Biochar application for abandoned mine land reclamation.  In M. Guo, Z. He, and S. Uchimiya, eds., Agricultural and Environmental Application of Biochar: Advances and Barriers.  SSSA Special Publication 63, p. 325-340. Soil Science Society of America, Inc., Madison, Wis. 

Education

• Ph.D., Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, University of Western Australia, Australia
• B.S., Physical Geography/Geology, University of New South Wales, Australia