Golden bacteria
Scientists from the Adelaide University and the University of Queensland have discovered a bacteria Cupriavidus metallidurans, which has the potential to consolidate gold finings from electronic waste (e-waste) and mine tailings.
Currently the recovery of gold and other heavy or precious metals from e-waste and abandoned mine sites is not economically feasible or is accompanied by other issues such as environmental and work health safety challenges.
A significant step in understanding the process was identifying the role bacteria play in biogeochemical recycling of gold.