Microbial Treatment of Mining Wastes

Thiocyanate-degrading cultures tested for resistance to metals in mine water

These cultures are used in several applications. Microbial Technologies assisted in developing a bioreactor completely removing thiocyanate (starting at 1 g/L) from reclaim water at Homestake's Nickel Plate Mine. We also assisted in the development of a bioreactor removing molybdenum from mine drainage at Highland Valley Copper.

Recently, the company has become involved in projects to remove excess ammonia from reclaim water, and high nitrate concentrations from a process stream. In addition, we are developing low-cost, low-maintenance systems to remove nitrate from adit discharges and pit water.

Services

Our services include the preparation of specialized cultures to biodegrade inorganic (as well as organic) contaminants, bench-scale feasibility studies (flask, pan, and column studies), and scale-up and deployment for field application. We also design passive treatment systems.