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Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy

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A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 6884

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yan Jia

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Guest Editor

National Engineering Research Center of Green Recycling for Strategic Metal Resources, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: biometallurgy principles and technology development; mining environmental biotechnology

Dr. He Shang

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Guest Editor

National Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Metallurgy in Producing Premium Non-ferrous Metals, GRINM Group Corporation Limited, Beijing 101407, China
Interests: hydrometallurgy; bio-metallurgy; recycling of solid waste

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biohydrometallurgical technology has the great advantages of low cost and low carbon emissions. It has been industrialized for decades, especially in copper, gold, and uranium ore processing, and its application is currently being expanded to other raw and secondary resources. The biohydrometallurgical process involves complex chemical and biological reactions. With advanced molecular biological and high-resolution techniques, the evolving genetic makeup of the microbial communities present in metal bio-extraction systems and their interaction with minerals have become better understood. Moreover, researchers and industries continue to develop and optimize biohydrometallurgical techniques to broaden their range of applications and elevate their efficiency. This Special Issue aims at presenting recent theoretical and technological advances in biohydrometallurgy using raw materials and secondary resources, such as important deposits, refractory ores, low-grade polymetallic wastes, sludges, slags, and electronic waste. In terms of theory, knowledge of the molecular and genetic makeup of bioleaching microbes and the interaction between microbes and minerals is crucial for a deeper understanding of the bioleaching mechanism. Critical aspects influencing the efficiency of biohydrometallurgy, including physical, chemical, and biological factors, should also be emphasized to increase leaching efficiency. Studies on leaching kinetics, process modeling, reactor design, life cycle analysis, and socio-economic aspects are encouraged in order to drive industrialization. Contributions on new technological developments for enhancing bioleaching efficiency, as well as on industrial instances of biohydrometallurgy, are also welcome.

Dr. Yan Jia
Dr. He Shang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biohydrometallurgy
bioleaching
bio-oxidation
biomining
microbe-mineral interaction
microbial communities
genomics/metabolomics/transcriptomics
sulfide minerals
secondary resources
leaching kinetics
process modeling
reactor design

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microbial Bioleaching of Critical Metals from Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries: A Biohydrometallurgical Approach

by Kyriaki Kiskira, Lamprini-Areti Tsakanika, Aristeidis Kritikos, Konstantina Papadopoulou, Elias Chatzitheodoridis, Gerasimos Lyberatos and Maria Ochsenkühn-Petropoulou

Minerals 2026, 16(3), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16030277 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1156

Abstract

Biohydrometallurgical processing of spent lithium-ion batteries offers a low-impact route for critical metal recovery compared with conventional hydrometallurgy. In this work, the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was evaluated for the bioleaching of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lithium (Li) and copper (Cu) from pyrolyzed industrial black mass derived primarily from LiCoO₂-based batteries, containing both LiCoO₂ and LiNiO₂ layered oxide phases. Batch experiments were conducted in 9K medium at 30 °C, varying pulp density (1%–2%, w/v), inoculum volume (10–20 mL in 200 mL medium) and initial pH (with and without adjustment). At 1% pulp density and 10% v/v inoculum, metal recoveries after 6–7 days reached about 64%–70% Co, 57%–72% Ni, 52%–60% Li and 81%–100% Cu, with most dissolution occurring in the first 6 days. Higher inoculum loads without initial pH adjustment increased Li recovery up to 79%, but did not further improve Co and Cu, indicating a trade-off between microbial activity, metal toxicity and ferric iron availability. The temporal evolution of pH and metal dissolution is consistent with indirect redoxolysis by biogenic Fe³⁺ and sulfuric acid generated during ferrous iron and elemental sulfur oxidation. Overall, the results confirm the feasibility of A. ferrooxidans-assisted bioleaching as a green option for Co, Ni, Li and Cu recovery from spent LiCoO₂ batteries and provide operating windows for subsequent process optimization and scale-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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19 pages, 2598 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Biosorption/Desorption of Copper from Solutions Leached from Soils Contaminated by Mining Activity Using Lessonia berteroana Alga Biomass

by Sonia Cortés, Liey-si Wong-Pinto and Javier I. Ordóñez

Minerals 2026, 16(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16010088 - 16 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Although mining activities are economically essential, they have led to significant environmental contamination, particularly in northern Chile. The discharge of untreated tailings has impacted coastal and soil ecosystems. This analysis investigates the biosorption and desorption of copper using the dried biomass of Lessonia berteroana, a brown alga, focusing on its reuse over multiple cycles. Biosorption experiments were conducted using synthetic copper sulfate solutions and real leachates (PLS) obtained from historically contaminated soils, obtaining maximum uptakes of 66.1 and 41.1 mg/g, respectively. In addition, four isotherm models—Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R)—were applied to describe equilibrium behavior. In synthetic systems, the Langmuir model described the data better. In the real matrix, the D–R model showed superior performance, indicating a more heterogeneous mechanism and a lower adsorption capacity. Desorption experiments, fundamental to evaluating the recyclability capacity of biosorbents, used HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and C₆H₈O₇ as desorbing agents. These experiments showed high initial efficiency (>95%) for all desorbents, and regeneration remained consistent over five cycles. In real PLS systems, nitric and citric acids maintained high desorption efficiencies with minimal degradation of biosorbent capacity. This study highlights the potential of L. berteroana as a sustainable biosorbent for copper recovery in both controlled and real-world applications, supporting its integration into circular economy strategies for mine-impacted environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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13 pages, 5644 KB

Open AccessArticle

Technology Development and Industrial Practice of Distinct Low-Cost Heap Bioleaching at Monywa Copper Mine

by Zhentang Wang, Baojun Yang, Jun Wang, Keqi Guo, Xin Zhang, Rui Liao and Guanzhou Qiu

Minerals 2025, 15(9), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090985 - 16 Sep 2025

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Abstract

This paper presents a case study on heap bioleaching at the Monywa copper mine in Myanmar. Through mineralogical characterization and leaching tests, specific heap bioleaching technologies were developed and implemented at the mine. These technologies include acidification and start-up of heap bioleaching without external acid addition, ore classification with process optimization, and selective inhibition of pyrite oxidation for acid/iron balance during heap bioleaching. The optimized heap bioleaching technologies implemented at the Monywa copper mine have reduced both capital and operating costs. These advantages are specifically reflected in the use of multi-lift pads for both heap bioleaching and final residue storage, optimized processing based on ore characteristics, and the implementation of a solution closed cycle process without the need for additional acid or neutralization. These findings demonstrate a cost-effective approach to heap bioleaching and provide practical insights for operational optimization in similar copper mines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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14 pages, 1849 KB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation, Testing, and Adaptation of Bacteria to Bioleach Metals from Pyrite

by Anna Choińska-Pulit, Justyna Sobolczyk-Bednarek and Marcin Kania

Minerals 2025, 15(9), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15090946 - 4 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Bioleaching, mediated by selected microflora, offers a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional mining techniques by transforming metals from sulfide ores into water-soluble forms. Pyrite ores often contain valuable rare or noble metals, such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co), which can be leached through the metabolic activity of specific chemoautotrophic microorganisms. This study investigates the adaptation process of the Acidithiobacillus ferriphilus bacterial strain, originally isolated from acid mine drainage (AMD), for the bioleaching of pyrite. The progress of the bioleaching process was evidenced by the release of iron (3.6 mg/mL) and significant quantities of gold (0.21 mg/L, equivalent to 3 g/t) into the post-culture liquid. The results indicate that the most effective bioleaching was achieved during the final adaptation stage, utilizing a medium with 7% pyrite content and a 0.75% supplement of an easily accessible energy source in the form of iron sulfate. These findings confirm the potential of the A. ferriphilus strain for pyrite bioleaching. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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16 pages, 3941 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of Sessile Acidophiles on Chalcopyrite Bioleaching Under Controlled Redox Potentials

by Qiru Yang, Yan Jia, Luohu Zhang, Qiaoyi Tan, Heyun Sun, Jiaqi Jin, Jingkui Qu, Renman Ruan and Chao Zhang

Minerals 2025, 15(5), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15050480 - 4 May 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1033

Abstract

Although the bioleaching of secondary copper sulfides has been industrialized for decades, the application of chalcopyrite bioleaching remains under development because of its low leaching rate. The effect of contact microbes on chalcopyrite leaching is still unclear due to the technical challenges in separating the contact (sessile micro-organisms) and the non-contact (planktonic micro-organisms) processes. Chalcopyrite bioleaching experiments were conducted using a novel device that stabilizes the redox potential and distinguishs between the microbial contact and non-contact effects. The contribution of the microbial “contact mechanism” in chalcopyrite leaching was quantified considering different redox potentials, compared to the “non-contact mechanism”. Based on the copper leaching kinetics and morphology of the leaching residue, it was demonstrated that the leaching rate of chalcopyrite was significantly influenced by the redox potential (850 mV > 650 mV > 750 mV), from 6.30% to 14.02% in 8 days leaching time. At each redox potential, the chalcopyrite leaching rate was 9.3%–30.6% higher with the presence of sessile microbes than without sessile microbes. Analysis of the leached chalcopyrite surface using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) revealed the formation of polysulfide and elemental sulfur at the surface. While the contacted sulfur oxidized the microbes, here, the Acidithiobacillus caldus preferred sessile at the chalcopyrite surface rather than Leptospirillum ferriphilum. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria reduced the elemental sulfur content at the leach residue surface, thus playing an important role in degrading the sulfur passivation layer. In chalcopyrite bioleaching, the “contact mechanism” was primarily explained by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria promoting chalcopyrite oxidation through the removal of sulfur intermediates, while the “non-contact mechanism” was explained by ferrous-oxidizing microbes influencing the redox potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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Review

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29 pages, 12988 KB

Open AccessReview

Review of Numerical Simulations for Parameter Control in Heap Bioleaching of Copper Sulfide Ore

by Rong Nie, Xinlong Yang, Bingyang Tian, Wenjuan Li, Xue Liu, Jiankang Wen and Hongying Yang

Minerals 2026, 16(6), 568; https://doi.org/10.3390/min16060568 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2026

Abstract

Heap bioleaching is widely used to extract copper from low-grade sulfide ores thanks to its operational simplicity, low cost, and environmental sustainability. However, current control strategies rely primarily on single-factor optimization and often overlook the synergistic interactions of multiple key parameters, such as ore particle size, pore structure, pH, temperature, microbial activity, and oxygen transfer efficiency. As a result, issues such as low recovery rates, extended leaching periods, and high operational costs persist. Moreover, the “gray-box” nature of heap systems impedes real-time monitoring of internal physical, chemical, and biological processes. In addition, empirical multi-parameter optimization is time-consuming and inadequate for capturing complex interdependencies. This review was conducted to systematically examine the key factors influencing heap bioleaching efficiency and critically evaluate recent advances in numerical simulation and intelligent control strategies. As a result, we identified a major research gap: the existing models—including microscale shrinking core models (SCMs), mesoscale pore-network models based on CT reconstruction, and macroscale continuum models—have inherent limitations. SCMs assume idealized spherical particles with uniform mineral distribution while neglecting pore structure evolution and biofilm dynamics. Mesoscale models offer detailed pore characterization but lack robust multi-physics coupling (thermal–hydro–mechanical–chemical–biological, or THMCB). Macroscale models rely on homogenization assumptions that oversimplify spatial heterogeneity and temporal variations in permeability. This analysis covers the relevant literature from 1985 to 2025, with a focus on three methodological scales (micro, meso, and macro) and their integration with machine learning approaches. A notable finding is that hybrid neural network models (e.g., BP and RBF architectures) outperform purely physics-based models in predicting leaching kinetics under varying operational conditions. However, their accuracy depends heavily on high-quality field data—a limitation rarely addressed in prior reviews. By clearly delineating these model-specific limitations and scale-dependent trade-offs, this review makes two unique contributions: a structured framework for selecting and coupling numerical methods according to process requirements and a roadmap for integrating artificial neural networks with multi-physics simulations to achieve real-time intelligent control of heap bioleaching. The findings offer both theoretical guidance and practical references for optimizing the processing of low-grade copper sulfide ores. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Theory and Technology of Biohydrometallurgy)

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