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).

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Biohydrometallurgy, Microbial metal extraction, Acidophilic microorganisms, Biohydrometallurgical technologies, Microbial mineral carbonation, Rare earth elements bioleaching, Bioleaching processes, Enhanced rock weathering, Extremophilic microorganisms

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.