Progress in bioleaching: part B, applications of microbial processes by the minerals industries

This review provides an update to the last mini-review with the same title pertaining to recent developments in bioleaching and biooxidation published in 2013 (Brierley and Brierley). In the intervening almost 10 years, microbial processes for sulfide minerals have seen increased acceptance and ongo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied microbiology and biotechnology 2022-09, Vol.106 (18), p.5913-5928
Main Authors: Roberto, Francisco F., Schippers, Axel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Bacterial leaching
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomining
Biotechnology
Circular economy
Cobalt
Copper
Copper ores
Copper sulfides
Emissions
Gold
Gold ores
In situ leaching
Laterites
Leaching
Life Sciences
Methods
Microbial Genetics and Genomics
Microbiology
Microorganisms
Mine tailings
Mine wastes
Mineral deposits
Mineral industry
Minerals
Mini-Review
Mining
Mining industry
Nickel
Oxidation
Production processes
Sulfides
Uranium
Waste materials
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Summary:This review provides an update to the last mini-review with the same title pertaining to recent developments in bioleaching and biooxidation published in 2013 (Brierley and Brierley). In the intervening almost 10 years, microbial processes for sulfide minerals have seen increased acceptance and ongoing but also declining commercial application in copper, gold, nickel and cobalt production. These processes have been applied to heap and tank leaching, nowadays termed biomining, but increasing concerns about the social acceptance of mining has also seen the re-emergence of in situ leaching and quest for broader applicability beyond uranium and copper. Besides metal sulfide oxidation, mineral dissolution via reductive microbial activities has seen experimental application to laterite minerals. And as resources decline or costs for their exploitation rise, mine waste rock and tailings have become more attractive to consider as easily accessible resources. As an advantage, they have already been removed from the ground and in some cases contain ore grades exceeding that of those currently being mined. These factors promote concepts of circular economy and efficient use and valorization of waste materials. Key points • Bioleaching of copper sulfide ore deposits is producing less copper today • Biooxidation of refractory gold ores is producing more gold than in the past • Available data suggest bioleaching and biooxidation processes reduce carbon emissions
ISSN:0175-7598
1432-0614
1432-0614
DOI:10.1007/s00253-022-12085-9