Mining Australia reports, that after Vale already cooperates with the University of São Paulo to find out more about ‘copper eating’ bacteria, the company now has started a five year partnership worth $1.25 million with the University of Queensland. The research topic is about how microorganisms can help in mining processes.
In a statement today UQ said under the alliance researchers would investigate how microorganisms found in Vale’s mineral deposits could be used for industrial applications. “Their genomes will be studied and mapped, and possible mechanisms for optimising their metal processing functions will be investigated and trialled,” it said.