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A short critique on biomining technology for critical materials

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Abstract

Being around for several decades, there is a vast amount of academic research on biomining, and yet it contributes less to the mining industry compared to other conventional technologies. This critique briefly comments on the current status of biomining research, enumerates a number of primary challenges, and elaborates on some kinetically-oriented strategies and bottom-up policies to sustain biomining with focus on critical material extraction and rare earth elements (REEs). Finally, we present some edge cutting developments which may promote new potentials in biomining.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are inspired by the works of Ilya Prigogine and Gavin Crooks.

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All authors designed the study, and wrote, read and approved the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Behrooz Abbasi or Jeffrey Harper.

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The authors declare no competing financial interest.

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Abbasi, B., Harper, J. & Ahmadvand, S. A short critique on biomining technology for critical materials. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 37, 87 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-021-03048-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-021-03048-9

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