27. Unlocking the Powers of Microbes

Microbes have a powerful influence on Earth processes, leave clues useful for mineral exploration and provide a more environmentally sustainable way of processing ores.  Bridging the divide between geoscience and bioscience may well be critical to the future of mining and exploration.  We understand much of the potential and the impact of microbial communities, but the incredible diversity of microbes is still being explored.   New technologies and processes are yet to be discovered - will we be equipped to understand the potential and interpret the data?Donato Giovannelli is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of  Naples 'Federico II', Naples.  He studies extremophiles, traversing the globe sampling microbial communities in extreme environments, from hot to cold, acid to alkaline.  He takes us on a tour of the global impact of microbes and their interdependence with earth processes.Our second guest, Bianca lulianella Phillips  is a PhD researcher at the University of British Columbia.  She has bridged the geoscience-bioscience divide and is studying microbial communities in soils as a mineral exploration tool.  Microbial communities are extremely sensitive to their environments and reflect changes in geochemistry that other methods don't recognize.  This work is also firmly in the world of bioinformatics - finding ways to sift through large amounts of data.Microbes are used in a variety of biomining operations globally. The can metabolize a wide variety of elements and in particular can break down sulfides, solubilizing metals and turning sulfur into sulfuric acid.   We talked with D. Barrie Johnson, Professor Emeritus at the University of Bangor, a world expert whose early work and career has shaped the processes used today.  What is next for biomining?  Can we use it effectively to in-situ leach deep orebodies?Theme music is Confluence by Eastwindseastwindsmusic.comCome join us in Salt Lake City, Utah for SEG 2026, September 30th to October 3rd. You can expect world-class technical content, including iconic ore deposits and the geological processes of North American Cordillera. The program balances applied case studies, framework geology, and technological innovation. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and help shape the future of economic geology. See you there.