Mining industry, metallurgy, production of non-ferrous and precious metals

Currently only traditional technologies – ore benefication and pyrometallurgy are used in the mining industry in Armenia, which do not ensure complete and effective processing of mineral raw materials, and result in losses of valuable metals in tailings and other wastes in unacceptable quantities. 
The development and application of modern highly efficient biohydrometallurgical (microbiological) technology for metal recovery is a challenge for Armenia, which has a great number of low-grade ores, wastes and tailings.

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Biohydrometallurgical technology for metal recovery in comparison with traditional technologies is highly efficient, resource saving and less costly. The absence of gas and other emissions makes it absolutely safe for the environment and is the only acceptable technology for processing of low-grade ores and metallurgical wastes, as well as concentrates containing toxic impurities.

Narine Vardanyan, Head of the Laboratory of Geomicrobiology of the Scientific and Production Centre "Armbiotechnology" of NAS RA 
E-mail: nvard {[ at ]} sci.am
Tel.: (+374 93) 801163