Valorization of Mining Tailings through Microbial Biotechnology for Circular Economy in Peruvian Mining

Jhan Carlos Manuel Fernández Delgado
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Jhan Carlos Manuel Fernández Delgado: Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca, Peru.

Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación Global, 2025, vol. 2, issue 2, 18

Abstract: This study analyzed the valorization of mine tailings through microbial biotechnology under a circular economy approach in Peruvian mining, aiming to evaluate its potential as a sustainable alternative for metal recovery and environmental impact reduction. A documentary review of recent scientific literature was conducted, focusing on studies related to bioleaching, biomining, and metal recovery from mining waste. The results showed that mine tailings represent a significant secondary source of valuable metals such as copper, zinc, and iron, with recoverable concentrations that justify their exploitation. Likewise, bioleaching processes based on acidophilic microorganisms and microbial consortia achieved recovery efficiencies above 80% under controlled conditions. The integration of hybrid technologies, such as bioreactors and bioelectrochemical systems, further improved process efficiency and added value, including potential energy generation applications. From a circular economy perspective, microbial biotechnology was found to reduce waste generation, decrease chemical reagent consumption, and optimize secondary resource utilization. However, limitations related to industrial scale-up and tailings variability were identified, highlighting the need for further applied research. It was concluded that microbial biotechnology represents a viable and sustainable alternative for mine tailings management in the Peruvian context, with strong potential for future implementation in sustainable mining practices.

Keywords: Microbial biotechnology; mine tailings; bioleaching; circular economy. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cxn:desarr:v:2:y:2025:i:2:id:18

DOI: 10.63688/desarrollo.v2.i2.18

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