Research area

Our research objectives are to study chemolithotrophic acidophilic bacteria and their role in the oxidation of sulfide minerals. These bacteria are used in biohydrometallurgy to obtain valuable metals from low-grade ores and concentrate (Fig. 1). The metals are first bio-extracted from the minerals and then separated from the acid leachate, most commonly by electrolysis after extraction with an organic solvent and re-extraction into water. In addition to industrial processes, the spontaneous abiotic and biotic oxidation of sulfide minerals in abandoned mines and mine wastes leads to the formation of sulfuric acid and the mobilization of toxic metals with negative environmental impacts.

In addition to the fundamental study of the biochemical mechanisms of bacterial oxidation and reduction of inorganic substrates, our research objectives also concern applied environmental studies in affected areas after conventional mining with imperfect landscape revitalization. We are involved in developing and optimizing innovative energy-saving and environmentally friendly bioleaching processes, such as processes for the recovery of valuable metals from secondary sources - electrical waste and products of urban and industrial waste incineration (ash and slag).