ABSTRACT
Acid main drainage is generated from the mine tailings of substances of great economic importance, such as gold, coal, copper, etc. The physiological conditions of acid mine drainage do not support the growth of mesophilic organisms due to its extremely low pH and heavy metal contents such as arsenic, lead, zinc, chromium, cobalt, etc. The problem arises when this drainage contaminates water bodies, groundwaters and even the soil, making it toxic for humans and animals. Metagenomic evidence suggests the presence of acidophilic and metallophilic microorganisms in the drainage that can have multiple roles in detoxification of the drainage and contribute to biomining and remediation of heavy metals. This chapter throws light on the different mines, their tailing compositions, and the metagenomic studies of the same, which can have potential roles in the biomining process. A closer look at the different mechanisms of biomining is also addressed in this chapter.
