Biomining of metals: new challenges for the next 15 years

Due to the current and future scenario in which phenomena such as global warming, massive industrial waste, excessive pollution of the ecosystem, water scarcity, among other negative variables, our planet and society, faces the urgent need to advance in the generation of more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining methods. The decline in the quality of the geological resources, specifically the increase of low‐grade minerals, has created a scenario under which mining companies must make great efforts to maintain their current production levels.