Bioleaching - Mineral-Dissolving Bacteria Help Us Obtain Valuable Metals but Produce AMD

Explore the fascinating world of biomining techniques in this 24-minute video lecture on bioleaching and bio-oxidation. Delve into the underlying mechanisms of microbial metal oxidation, using Fe-sulfide oxidation as a prime example. Learn about the specific microbes capable of oxidizing metal sulfides and their efficiency in biomining processes. Discover the techniques of dump and heap bioleaching, and understand the metabolic needs of bacterial species for optimal growth. Examine the environmental concerns associated with acid mine drainage (AMD) as a byproduct of bioleaching. Gain insights into the biooxidation process for obtaining refractory metals like gold, and understand how it differs from bioleaching. The lecture covers topics such as pyrite oxidation, the role of microbes in mineral dissolution, the impact of acidity on pyrite dissolution, and the use of fungi in bioleaching processes.