Mining Microbiome / Critical Metals / Extraction
Biomining is a process involving microorganisms to extract metals from mineral ores bodies and a method of collecting biological resources e.g., strains, genes, and gene products that can be harnessed for biotechnology innovation. Microorganisms including archaea, bacteria and fungi break down minerals in ores, binding or releasing metals like copper (Cu), gold, or uranium into more soluble forms. Such biohydrometallurgy is recognized for its cost-effectiveness and reduced environmental impacts. Biomining also enables extraction of metals from low-grade ores and treatment of waste streams including tailings and mining influenced waters (MIWs). However, Cu biomining presents specific challenges related to process efficiency, specificity, and stability. Effectiveness of individual microorganisms in leaching copper is influenced by factors such as mineral composition, temperature, pH, and the presence of inhibitory substances. Adapting microorganisms to site-specific mining conditions can be complex, requiring specialised traits or emergent metabolic processes. Moreover, different Cu ores demand distinct bioleaching methods with sulphide ores posing greater challenges compared to oxide ores. Thus, optimization for both growth and bioleaching potential are necessary to effectively recover Cu from different ores. Indeed, from a process development perspective identifying optimal conditions for biological activity is crucial. This involves controlling parameters like temperature, pH, oxygen, and nutrient availability. Deviations from optimal conditions can result in diminished recovery or process instability.
This project presents a transformative approach to mining that integrates discovery of biological resources with invention of novel surface display (SD) platforms for Cu recovery. Key activities include: 1) building a biological resource discovery engine to identify Cu binding parts, and 2) development of biotechnology platforms for surface Cu binding and recovery including but not limited to cells, bacteriophage, membranes and lipid nanoparticles. These modular SD platforms will be iteratively refined under simulated real-world conditions using high-throughput automation systems and multifactorial experimental design to identify optimal performance parameters needed to 3) inform and expedite sustainable process development using hybrid living materials (HLMs) at relevant operating scales. Successful implementation of this work package can provide significant ESG benefits by creating new cost savings and revenue from waste, reducing environmental impacts of mining, and supporting bioeconomy development that improve the lives of local communities impacted by mining operations.
