Bioleaching

Dear Colleagues,

Since the discovery of bioleaching microorganisms and their role in metal extraction in the 1940s, a number of approaches have been developed to enhance microbially catalysed solubilisation of metals. These include reactor/tank, vat, lagoon, heap, dump, in place or in situ leaching techniques. Bioleaching has enabled the transformation of uneconomic resources to reserves, and thus helped to alleviate the challenges related to continually declining ore grades. Commercial biomining applications have mainly targeted copper, gold, uranium, nickel, cobalt and zinc sulfides. More recently, the possibilities of bioleaching oxide ores and extracting other commodities such as rare earth elements and phosphorus have also been explored. Progress in characterising microbial strains and communities has increased our understanding of the microbial catalysts, and facilitated the optimisation of bioleaching processes. For this Topical Collection, we invite contributions on various aspects of bioleaching, including but not limited to bioleaching methods, mechanisms, microorganisms, and applications to extract various commodities from ores, concentrates as well as waste materials.

Dr. Anna H. Kaksonen
Prof. Dr. Sabrina Hedrich
Dr. Elaine Govender-Opitz
Dr. Mario Vera Véliz
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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