Microbial Innovations in Sustainable Metal and Rare Earth Element Recovery

Microorganisms mediate a wide range of biogeochemical and redox-driven transformations that influence metal speciation, mobility, dissolution and precipitation, and secondary phase formation. In recent years, studies have focused on their role in processing metallurgical slags, mine tailings, electronic waste, and other industrial residues, turning waste streams into valuable sources of critical materials. Traditional extraction methods rely on high energy inputs and environmentally damaging chemicals, while biological mechanisms such as bioleaching and biomineralization can provide economically viable, low-impact alternatives. Despite significant progress, there remain key scientific questions regarding the optimization of microbial pathways and processes, the interactions between microbes and metal-bearing materials, and scalability challenges for industrial implementation.This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of microbial processes underpinning bioleaching, biosorption, and biomineralization in the context of sustainable metal and REE recovery. It will explore how specific microbial species and consortia contribute to solubilization and precipitation mechanisms through acid production, ferric iron generation, enzymatic activity, and the secretion of biomolecules (e.g., biosurfactants). The goal is to identify innovative biotechnological strategies that increase the efficiency of recovery of valuable elements while mitigating environmental impacts. In doing so, it seeks to connect environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, and resource management to advance circular economy principles.To gather further insights into microbial and geochemical mechanisms for the sustainable recovery of valuable elements, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Enzymatic and metabolic pathways involved in bioleaching and biosorption• Development of microbial consortia for enhanced bioextraction, biomineralization, and other biotransformations• Microbe-mineral interactions and surface chemistry in metal recovery• Integration of microbial processes into industrial-scale metal recovery systems• Environmental and economic assessments of bio-based recovery technologies• Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and its role in mineral recycling• Advances in imaging and analytical technologies for microbial-mineral systems Topic editors: Eva Pakostova, Ivan Nancucheo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81750/microbial-innovations-in-sustainable-metal-and-rare-earth-element-recovery