Selective biomining of rare earth phosphate ores and minerals

Summary

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are an essential component in most modern technologies. Decrease in global supply provides WA an opportunity to become a player in this industry.

The research proposes a biomining approach to avoid the high cost and dangerous waste of processing conventionally. The project intends to identify phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM)  and ideal growth conditions for these PSM. This data will be complemented by biogeochemical process data.

Keywords: biomining, bioleaching, phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, rare earth elements