Bio-extraction of Trace Metals Using Metal-Oxide Reducing Bacteria

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for extracting trace metals from ores, such as acid leaching and bioleaching, are costly, energy-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable, generating toxic waste and having a high carbon footprint, which does not meet the global objectives for sustainable development.

Innovation Solution

A bio-extraction method using metal-oxide reducing bacteria to convert metal oxides into water-soluble salts, releasing trace metals into an aqueous medium, which can then be recovered, eliminating the need for strong acids and reducing environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If acid leaching or bio leaching is used to extract metals from ores, then metal extraction efficiency is improved, but environmental harm and waste production increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetal extraction efficiencyVSAvoidtoxic acidic waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the leaching process by using neutral or alkaline pH conditions instead of strongly acidic conditions. This is achieved by using specific bacteria (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) that can operate at neutral pH and generate mild acidity in situ, thereby maintaining extraction efficiency while eliminating toxic waste production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the normally harmful acidic waste into a beneficial byproduct by using bacteria that generate controlled amounts of mild acid (pH 3-6) that is sufficient for metal dissolution but not harmful to the environment. The bacterial metabolism converts organic substrates into useful acidic conditions for extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If High Pressure Acid Leaching (HPAL) is used to extract nickel from laterite ore, then extraction rate is improved, but energy consumption and carbon emissions increase massively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction rateVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical and thermal energy-intensive HPAL system with a biological system. Instead of using high pressure (autoclave conditions) and high temperature acid leaching, the patent uses bacterial metabolism to chemically dissolve metals at ambient temperature and pressure, thereby eliminating the need for energy-consuming equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bacteria perform the extraction work autonomously by metabolizing organic substrates and using the generated energy to dissolve metal oxides. The system is self-sustaining as the bacterial activity continuously produces the necessary acidic conditions for extraction without external energy input

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional mining technology is used for metal extraction, then metal production is maintained, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetal productionVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces bacteria as an intermediary agent between the ore and the extraction process. These bacteria act as biological mediators that facilitate metal dissolution through their metabolic activities, replacing direct chemical attack by strong acids and reducing environmental harm while maintaining production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method is more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing energy consumption and waste production while effectively extracting trace metals like lithium, zinc, copper, and cobalt, and allowing for the use of seawater, thus addressing the sustainability concerns of traditional extraction processes.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the granular material with at least one species of metal-oxide reducing bacteria in an aqueous medium, thereby (1) converting at least a portion of the metal oxide to a water-soluble metal salt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiochemical reduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 2

contacting the granular material with at least one species of bacteria selected from the group consisting of neutrophilic metal-oxidizing bacteria and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in an aqueous medium, thereby converting at least a portion of said metal sulfide to a metal oxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20240254591A1Processes and methods for bio-extraction of trace metals from metal-oxide containing materials

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 IMPOSSIBLE MINING INC

AI summary

Provided herein are processes and methods for the bio-extraction of trace metals from a metal-oxide containing starting material (e.g., a metallic ore). The processes and methods may utilize metal-oxide reducing bacteria to electrochemically reduce metal oxides in the ores, thereby freeing valuable trace metals. In preferred embodiments, the processes and methods may utilize metal-oxide reducing bacteria from the group Shewanellaceae and/or the group Geobacteraceae.