Bioleaching processes are originated in the mining industry. We are currently using them in a modified way to treat residues form waste incineration plants
containing minerals and metals. The target can be the re-use of minerals, reduction of heavy metals
or the recovery of metals.
Bioleaching is often used in copper and gold mining to recover metals from low-metalcontent-ore with the help of bacterial and chemical treatment.
Ash from wood incineration contains a high level of heavy metals. They can be removed and reused as trace elements.