Biotechnology for Metal Extraction, Mineral Beneficiation and Environmental Control

With the rapid depletion of high grade ores and concerns about environmental degradation, the necessity for utilisation of lean grade mineral resources have become all the more urgent. With the advent of bioleaching since the early 1960's possibilities of metal extraction in an
environment-friendly fashion have emerged. As of now three metals namely copper, uranium and gold are commercially produced around the world using biooxidation in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans.