Technology

Metal extraction with glycineAn amino acid used by plants to absorb metals from soil led to the development of a novel way to extract precious and base metals

An amino acid used by plants to absorb metals from soil led to the development of a novel way to extract precious and base metals

By Lynn Greiner

July 18, 2024

Leaching columns utilizing glycine as the reagent. Courtesy of Draslovka

Extraction of metal from ores is a complex process that is a careful balance of chemistry, economics and environmental risk. Cyanide, for example, is enormously useful in gold extraction, but it is also a major concern for communities near mines where it is used. Reducing its use, along with other chemical reagents that require careful handling, presents a major opportunity.

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