Biomining in Space
Microorganisms could be the future of resource extraction in outer space (Needpix).
A new study published in Nature Communications on November 11 has found that certain bacteria are capable of mining rare earth metals in low gravity conditions. The study, called BioRock, was conducted on the International Space Station by the European Space Agency. BioRock’s findings have fueled optimism about the potential for biomining to be implemented effectively in outer space.
The BioRock experiment tested the ability of three bacteria species to extract rare earth elements from basalt rocks under gravity levels similar to that of the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. The researchers chose basalt as it is similar to cooled volcanic fields on the surface of the Moon and Mars. The study found that one of the three bacteria species, S. desiccabilis, was particularly effective at mining in all tested gravity levels—including zero gravity.
"We were surprised that there was no significant effect of the different gravities on the biomining, given that microgravity is known to influence the behavior of fluids," said Charles Cockell, co-lead author of the BioRock study. "However, we think that could be because the microbes had long enough to interact with the rocks… It also shows that biomining can be done in different gravities, such as on asteroids, the Moon, or Mars."
Biomining could help extract the massive amounts of metals contained in asteroids (Wikimedia).
Mining in outer space is a promising and important field of humanity’s development of space. Just one asteroid, called Psyche, is estimated to contain $700 quintillion in metals. Furthermore, mining will likely be a crucial part of future attempts to create settlements beyond Earth, which would need to have self-sufficient processes to access resources.
“Wherever you are in space, whether you're building a settlement on asteroids, the Moon or Mars—you're going to need elements to build your civilization," said Cockell. "What our BioRock experiment has shown is that biomining is just one way in which we might go about extracting useful elements from rocks to support a long-term human presence beyond the Earth.”
While the mining ability of S. desiccabilis is promising, there is still significant room for improvement. The capability demonstrated in the BioRock experiment is far from what is necessary for commercial or subsistence mining. Nevertheless, BioRock has revealed the potential for biomining to be a possible option in outer space. Future research and development will explore whether this potential can be converted into real productive biotechnology.