Project: Bioleaching approaches for strategic and critical metal extraction from mine wastes

The bioleaching process harnesses the natural capabilities of microorganisms, leveraging biological acidification, oxidation, and complexation to mobilise target metals from minerals into aqueous solution.

Working alongside the School of Civil Engineering, this project explores the viability of using microorganisms to extract critical metals from copper-rich supergene-derived mine waste, with a key focus on indium and bismuth.

Outcomes are expected to open new pathways for strengthening Australia's critical mineral supply from sustainable, non-conventional sources, with potential applications in supergene-rich countries such as Chile.