•Biomining, also known as bioleaching, is a process that uses living organisms to extract metals from ores and other solid materials.
•It’s a natural alternative to traditional mining that can be more effective and have a reduced environmental impact.
•The Kerala State government has awarded two contracts worth ₹95.24 crore to a Nagpur-based company for biomining and retrieval of legacy dumpsites in 20 towns as part of the World Bank funded Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD).
•Biomining can help to achieve the goals of a sustainable waste management campaign.
•Bacteria like Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans can oxidize minerals, releasing metals such as copper, gold, and uranium.