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Biotechnology applied to mining of metals
1Department of Metallurgy, Sullivan Center for In-Situ Mining Research, Research and Development Division, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro 87801, USA.
Abstract:
The present review describes the advances achieved during the last two years in the application of biotechnological principles in the extraction of metals from ores and minerals. Despite the fact that this branch of science is very young and many details are yet to be understood, the microbes are applied at commercial levels especially for the extraction of copper and uranium from low-grade ores. The technique is far from being developed to its full potential and it is generally recognized to be a technology of the future. The studies involved are complex and multidisciplinary in nature.