Top 4 Biotech Applications for the Mining Industry

In recent decades, a greater focus on harnessing microbial processes for industrial applications has led to the development of innovative solutions to some of the mining industry’s most pressing challenges. The unbiased, actionable data Microbial Insights provides can help to cost-effectively enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility of mining operations. Below are four areas of opportunity where advanced biological and genetic techniques can be leveraged for the benefit of the mining industry:

1. Reducing the environmental impact of acid rock drainage

Bioremediation has proven to be effective in acid rock drainage cleanup. For example, sulfate reducing bacteria can reduce the acidity of the drainage water by converting sulfate ions to sulfides. Use molecular biological tools (MBTs) to determine if bioremediation would be an efficient treatment strategy for groundwater or soil contaminated with acid rock drainage. If a biostimulation treatment is implemented, incorporate analysis for key microbial groups into post-treatment performance monitoring to evaluate the remedy’s effectiveness.

2. Monitoring, diagnosing, and mitigating microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)

MIC, the deterioration of materials by microorganisms or their activities, impacts nearly all industries, including mining. Whether proactively monitoring microbial communities that may lead to MIC or trying to identify the underlying root cause of corrosion, MBTs can help. Implementing appropriate MIC prevention and mitigation efforts can maximize asset life, reduce unplanned downtime, maintain revenue streams, and limit unwanted liabilities.

3. Optimizing bioleaching and rare earth element recovery

Bioleaching using microorganisms that can oxidize metal sulfides and solubilize metals is quickly growing as a sustainable option for extracting different metals and rare earth elements. In many cases, bioleaching is more selective than traditional chemical methods and has a lower environmental impact. MBTs can be employed to monitor and optimize the microbial consortia that facilitate the extraction of valuable metals from ores to increase the efficiency of the process.

4. Enhancing bioremediation of produced mine water

Bioremediation can be a useful strategy for treating mine waste water, which typically contains heavy metals, acids, and suspended solids. MBTs can be used to detect and quantify microbial groups capable of degrading many of the contaminants found in mine water. For example, some microorganisms can remove heavy metals from water and others can break down organic contaminants. Use MBTs to assess the potential for bioremediation and then to monitor the treatment’s success.

To discuss a project or for more information, please contact Microbial Insights’ Project Success Team at 865.573.8188 or info@microbe.com.