Review of Bioleaching Gold Ores from E-Waste: Bioremediation of Seconder Mineral Sources

Electronic waste, particularly printed circuit boards, serves as a significant secondary ore resource for extracting precious metals like gold through environmentally friendly technologies. The objective of this review is to evaluate recent advancements in the bioleaching of gold from electronic waste, addressing the challenges associated with limited gold deposits. The methodology involves a comprehensive examination of biohydrometallurgy techniques, categorizing them into agitation and percolation leaching processes. Various methods such as heap leaching, dump leaching, in situ leaching, and vat leaching are discussed, highlighting their engineering aspects and the role of microbes in generating gold-cyanide solutions. The review finds that the microbial processes not only enhance gold extraction but also contribute to environmentally sustainable practices in resource recovery. The findings indicate a growing interest and importance of integrating microbiology with gold extraction technologies, showcasing the potential for improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact in the bioleaching process. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the need for further research into effective methods of utilizing electronic waste as a valuable resource for precious metals recovery.