Biomining vs. Bioleaching — What's the Difference?

Biomining is the technique of extracting metals from ores and other solid materials typically using prokaryotes, fungi or plants (phytoextraction also known as phytomining or biomining). These organisms secrete different organic compounds that chelate metals from the environment and bring it back to the cell where they are typically used to coordinate electrons.

Bioleaching is the extraction of metals from their ores through the use of living organisms. This is much cleaner than the traditional heap leaching using cyanide.

The use of microorganisms to extract ions from ores

The process of leaching metals from ore by using bacteria or fungi to convert the metals into a soluble form.

The dissolution of metals from their ores by the use of microorganisms such as bacteria