Application of Extremophilic Microorganisms in Biohydrometallurgy

Biohydrometallurgy is a well-established technology that utilizes microorganisms to produce metals from various raw materials. Traditionally, microorganisms have been predominantly used in bioleaching processes, where acidophilic microorganisms aid in extracting metals from these materials. Notable industrial applications of biohydrometallurgy include the large-scale heap bioleaching of copper from ores in Chile and the biooxidation of refractory pyrite-rich concentrates for gold extraction. However, the potential applications of biohydrometallurgy extend beyond these examples, and this Research Topic aims to explore some of these possibilities.The goal of this Research Topic is to showcase studies that present novel technological advances in biohydrometallurgy. Contributions should focus on the use of microorganisms in metal recovery from pregnant leach solution and their role as producers of biosurfactants applicable to mineral processing. Additionally, we encourage studies on the application of microorganisms in processes such as enhanced rock weathering and mineral carbonation.We welcome Original Research and Review articles on the following areas, but is not limited to:• Innovative bioprocessing of ores and mineral concentrates for the extraction of base and precious metals;• Novel biological reprocessing of mine tailings, slags, fly ash, and other secondary raw materials for metal recovery and bioremediation;• Bioleaching and recovery of rare earth elements (REE). Topic editors: Srdjan Stanković, Ruiyong Zhang, Arevik Vardanyan Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/67700/application-of-extremophilic-microorganisms-in-biohydrometallurgy