Bioprocessing of Mine and Metallurgical Wastes

Dear Colleagues,

The mining and metallurgical treatment of ores are characterized by the formation of their various wastes. For instance, the beneficiation of ores yields formation tailings, whereas the roasting of sulfide concentrates produces smelter slag and dust. These wastes pose a problem not just because of their sheer volume and areal extent, but some of them affect local ecosystems. The activity of microorganisms in the waste can lead to significant environmental problems. The oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals containing iron and non-ferrous sulfides has been shown to contribute to the formation of acidic groundwater containing ferrous sulfate, heavy metals, and other toxic elements. The bio-oxidation of sulfide ores and high-grade concentrates for the recovery of gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, and other metals has a global spread. Biotechnology is the most promising approach for processing mine and metallurgical waste. This Special Issue will focus on new methods and processes for the utilization, recycling, or disposal of many types of mine and metallurgical wastes using (micro)organisms (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and their communities). This includes but is not limited to topics such as the bioleaching of metals, the bio-oxidation of sulfide wastes, dust and slag treatment, low-grade ores as a source for biohydrometallurgy, and acid mine drainage bioprocessing.

Dr. Maxim Muravyov
Guest Editor

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