This project aims to support the development of an environmentally responsible infrastructure improvement solution by reducing the environmental impact of synthetic polymers commonly used in geotechnical construction and mining industries. The research team will investigate the use of biopolymers as alternatives for soil modification and treatment of mine waste. Biopolymers like xanthan gum and guar gum have been used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for many years due to their ability to bind small particles together and alter fluid viscosity. These same properties make biopolymers a promising material for a wide range of geotechnical engineering and mining applications. Biopolymers can help reduce soil erosion, improve soil strength, and enhance sedimentation without the environmental risks associated with widely used synthetic polymers. To fully understand and unlock the potential of biopolymers for use in geotechnical and mining applications, the research team will combine laboratory experiments with advanced computer simulations. The team will investigate how various biopolymers interact with different soil (mineral) types under a wide range of realistic environmental conditions, including changes in pH and salt concentration. These interactions will be analyzed at multiple scales, from individual molecules to bench scale tests designed to model typical field conditions. The findings will guide engineers in selecting the most effective biopolymers for specific g