Bioleaching for critical metal recovery from bauxite residue- unlocking waste valorization.

ABSTRACT: The increasing problem of waste from alumina refineries endangers ecosystems and local communities. With over 4 billion tons of bauxite residue stored globally, more than 140 million tons generated annually, and less than 3% currently reused, the situation is unsustainable. However, bauxite residue also contains critical metals essential for advancing sustainable technologies, aligning with the United Nations' 7^th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Fully recovering these valuable elements and reusing the waste not only addresses environmental concerns but also supports a resilient and sustainable supply of materials needed for the green energy transition. Given the environmental drawbacks of traditional extraction methods, biotechnological approaches show promise as an environm

SUBMITTER: Soto-Montandon F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12689584 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature