| Owing to their distinctive physical and chemical properties, precious metals are extensively utilized in high-tech industries including catalysis, energy, optoelectronics and medicine. Precious metal mineral resources are relatively scarce in China. However, since China is a major manufacturing nation with a robust industrial system, its demand for precious metals is substantial, resulting in a pronounced contradiction between supply and demand. Recycling secondary resource of precious metals can alleviate this contradiction and bring huge economic benefits. There are many problems existing in traditional metallurgical methods to recycle precious metal secondary resource, such as high energy consumption, great costs, long processes, and serious environmental pollution. As an emerging green technology, bioleaching offers several advantages, such as more environmentally friendliness, lower energy consumption, greater cost-effectiveness, and higher selectivity. It has attracted significant attention in the utilization of precious metal resources. This article reviews the research progress in the bioleaching of precious metals, focusing on the types of microorganisms involved, the mechanisms of action and the influencing factors. The challenges and development of this technology are also prospected. |
