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Zahid Munir
Introduction:
Bioleaching is a scientific process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi,
are utilized to extract valuable metals from ores, mineral concentrates, or other
metal-containing materials. It is a form of biotechnology that relies on the metabolic
activities of these microorganisms to solubilize and recover metals from their solid
mineral forms. The microorganisms involved in bioleaching interact with the mineral
substrate, often metal sulfides, and catalyze chemical reactions that result in the
release of metal ions into a liquid solution. These metal ions can then be recovered
through subsequent steps such as precipitation, solvent extraction, or electrochemical
processes. Bioleaching offers several advantages over traditional mining methods,
including lower energy consumption, reduced environmental impact, and the ability to
extract metals from low-grade or otherwise inaccessible mineral resources.
Applications of Bioleaching:
Bioleaching has found significant industrial and commercial applications in various
sectors. Some of the key areas where bioleaching is utilized are:
1. Mining Industry: The mining industry extensively utilizes bioleaching for the
extraction of metals from low-grade ores. It offers a cost-effective and
environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mining methods. Bioleaching
is commonly employed for the extraction of copper, gold, uranium, nickel, zinc,
and other metals.
2. Metal Recovery from E-Waste: Electronic waste (e-waste) contains a significant
amount of valuable metals. Bioleaching processes have been developed to
extract metals like gold, silver, copper, and palladium from e-waste. This helps
in resource recovery and reduces the environmental impact of e-waste
disposal.
3. Tailings Remediation: Mining operations generate large quantities of tailings,
which are waste materials containing residual metals. Bioleaching can be used
to remediate and recover valuable metals from these tailings, minimizing their
environmental impact and potentially generating additional revenue.
4. Industrial Effluent Treatment: Bioleaching processes have been applied for the
treatment of industrial effluents containing metal contaminants.
Microorganisms can bioleach the metals, thereby reducing their concentration
in the effluent and making it suitable for discharge or further treatment.
5. Precious Metal Refining: Bioleaching is used in the refining of precious metals,
such as gold and silver. It provides a more environmentally friendly alternative
to traditional chemical methods, minimizing the use of toxic chemicals and
reducing the generation of hazardous waste.
6. Phytomining: Phytomining is a specialized form of bioleaching that involves
growing plants in metal-rich soils. The plants absorb metals from the soil
through their roots, and then bioleaching processes are employed to extract the
metals from the plant biomass. Phytomining offers a sustainable and low-cost
method for metal recovery from areas with high metal concentrations.
Reference list:
https://www.biologydiscussion.com/biotechnology/metal-biotechnology/methods-of-metal-recovery-by-
microorganisms-2-methods/10446
https://www.angloamerican.com/futuresmart/stories/our-industry/mining-explained/mining-terms-explained-a-
to-z/bioleaching-definition-and-process
https://biotecharticles.com/Applications-Article/Bioleaching-Application-of-Biotechnology-in-Mining-Industry-
850.html