Dr Samadhi Gunathunga - Microbes for Mining: Transforming Mining Challenges into Opportunities
Drawing on projects from across the Sustainable Minerals Institute research group, this presentation will highlight the potential of geomicrobiology to support a sustainable mining future-turning these challenges into valuable opportunities.
The mining industry faces a range of challenges, including recovering valuable resources, managing mine wastes, reducing environmental impacts and moving towards more sustainable practices. Addressing these issues require innovative approaches that complement existing mining technologies and utilise natural processes.
Microorganisms have evolved over billions of years to interact with minerals and thrive in diverse geological environments, influencing mineral transformation processes and elemental cycling. Harnessing these microbial capabilities provides opportunities to develop biological approaches across the mining lifecycle.
Drawing on projects from across our research group, this presentation will highlight the potential of geomicrobiology to support a sustainable mining future-turning these challenges into valuable opportunities.
