Bacteria Discovery Could Revolutionize Gold Mining
Scientists have discovered bacteria that could revolutionise gold mining. The microorganisms, found in spruce needles near gold deposits, may help convert soluble gold into solid particles, making extraction easier and more eco-friendly.
Gold can naturally accumulate in plants growing near deposits, serving as a valuable indicator for exploration. However, the gold in these plants exists as tiny, invisible particles, making it industrially unusable. Now, researchers have found that certain bacterial groups, including P3OB-42, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium, are more common in gold-containing needles than in those without gold particles.
In a study, four out of 23 spruces had gold nanoparticles stored in their needles. These particles were each surrounded by microbial cells in a biofilm matrix. The bacteria may contribute to converting soluble gold in the needles into solid particles, potentially simplifying gold mining and reducing its environmental impact. The mechanism could also be applied to remove metals from water or recover valuable metals from wastewater.
The discovery of these bacteria could significantly impact gold mining. By converting soluble gold into solid particles, these microorganisms could make gold price extraction easier and more environmentally friendly. Further research is needed to fully understand and harness this potential.
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