Geobiology of in situ uranium leaching

Abstract

Driven by the world’s thirst for energy, the demand for uranium is rapidly increasing. Hence, producers of uranium are struggling to keep up with demands and are exploring more cost-effective methods of extraction. Uranium is currently mined via open pit and underground mining as well as with in situ leaching methods, with in situ leaching currently accounting for approximately 45 % of total uranium production. Studies have shown that the presence of uranium in soils strongly affects the composition and function of resident microbial communities. In view of the close association of biological processes and uranium geochemistry, it is surprising how little information is available on the effect of microbial communities on in situ leaching. Hence, this review focuses on the possibility to exploit the properties of such microorganisms and identify opportunities to use natural microbial processes to improve uranium recovery and mine site rehabilitation.