Microbial mineral processing: The opportunities for genetic manipulation

Abstract

AbstractApplications of microbiology to mining operations have been surveyed and evaluated. This has been carrried out with a view to seeking directions whereby genetical and molecular biological approaches could be applied to optimise ‘bio‐mining’ processes. Copper and uranium are currently recovered from their ores on a commercial scale (to a value of about US$1800 million annually worldwide) using bioleaching systems carried out in the open in biologically uncontrolled conditions. Possibilities also exist for applying bioleaching methods on an industrial scale for the extraction of a number of other metals from sulphide‐bearing concentrates. Molybdenum, cobalt and nickel are likely to be most suitable, principally because of their value. Biological ore beneficiation can be used to enhance the recovery of noble metals. Bioleaching systems offer a variety of desirable advantages compared to conventional methods but suffer principally in their relatively low leaching rates. Opportunities exist for the enhancement of bioleaching rates by genetic technologies. These approaches are outlined and discussed. Bioconcentration systems offer possibilities for metal recovery from dilute industrial waste streams and metal refinery effluents and for the heavy metal detoxification of polluted waters. Possible applications of genetic technologies to bioconcentration systems are proposed. Other uses for the mineral leaching thiobacilli, e.g. fossil fuel desulphurisation, are outlined and discussed.