ABSTRACT
Bacteria have played a significant role in biomining. Microbes, with their specialized mechanisms in sulfidic and nonsulfidic ore biomining, play an important role. Generally, chemolithoautotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms involved in biomining thrive in mineral-rich environments. Microbes use minerals in rocks for their own growth, energy, and nutrition, giving them some potential in biomining. However, the significance and diversity of the lithic bacteria in which biomining occurs remain scarce. This chapter attempts to explain the biomining possibilities of the lithic bacteria prevalent in lithobiontic environments and presents an overview of various types of lithic bacteria based on their habitat, methods of isolation, and characterization.
