Bioleaching at the beginning of the 21st century

Abstract

Bioleaching is one of the most promising techniques for the treatment of sulfide concentrates on the basis of its advantages widely recognized. It allows the recovery of metals from different ores (especially low-grade and refractory ones) in a natural way, with low costs and in a friendly manner with respect to the environment, competing with conventional extractive processes. During the last decade research has focused on basis knowledge of the process. Advances have been made in biochemical, genetic and molecular aspects of the microorganisms involved in the process, and in the design and improvement of the process by a better knowledge of physical-chemical factors affecting the yield of the process, and the use of catalytic ions which improve dissolution. This bibliographical revision seeks to summarize the history of the bioleaching and its microbiological base, and also to indicate its current state and possible future developments that will take place.