Abstract Scope |
Heap bioleaching of base metals ores, primarily chalcocite, and continuous, stirred-tank minerals biooxidation of refractory sulfidic gold concentrates have been practiced in engineered systems for some 30 years. Certainly, bioleaching has been rudimentarily practiced for much, much longer. So, where can biotechnology practices in metals extraction go from here? Biotechnology opportunities exist for in-situ bioleaching, treatment of complex ores, waste processing, reductive bioprocessing of oxidized ores, and, with currently available methodologies to genetically modify microorganisms, enhancement of metals extraction. Several of these opportunities have achieved some measure of application. For others, additional research is needed along with engineering design to apply these opportunities effectively. Demonstrating innovative biotechnologies at sufficient scale to assess technical and economic viability is essential and often challenging to undertake. Commercializing metal extraction biotechnologies can be complicated and unfortunately too often unsuccessful, particularly by small high-tech companies. These topics will be addressed. |