METAL EXTRACTION FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE WITH THIOBACILLI

Abstract

During the last two decades a lot of research has been carried out on microbiological leaching of low-grade ores. Since the UNCTAD conferences on raw materials have shown that besides the energy resources also the metallic resources of the world are limeted and what is even worse not renewable the idea of recycling has become more and more attractive. This means that waste raterials will have to be processed to regain valuable metals. Bacterial leaching of inorganic industrial waste or tailings can be regarded at least under two beneficial aspects: 1. toxic substances from the wastes will be removee thus the cost for their disposal can be lowered and the environment will be protected, 2. valuable metals can be gained from the wastes. This part is probably even more economic because of the rising prices for raw-materials in the near future.