Biotechnology for the Mineral Industry

AbstractThe recent upsurge in interest in biotechnology has given rise to new interest in potential applications in the mineral industry. In nature, there is ample evidence of the influence of biological mechanisms in the mobilization and deposition of minerals. The current challenge is to achieve a much better understanding of these processes, to identify candidate applications for these phenomena in industry applications and to enhance the effects by improved selection and development of microbial species and the attendant engineering systems.This paper presents an overview of the natural effects of biological species on the mineral system. A number of current applications of these phenomena are outlined, and an attempt is made to envisage future applications for biotechnology in the Canadian mineral industry. A brief review of the formation and activities of a Canadian network of researchers in this field is provided.