Phytomining is a scientific field that utilizes the ability of certain plants to absorb and concentrate gold from the soil. The process begins in soils that contain particles of gold, often in concentrations too low for traditional extraction. To make the gold bioavailable to plants, a chemical agent is introduced into the soil to dissolve the particles. Plants, such as eucalyptus or Indian mustard, absorb the dissolved gold along with water and nutrients. Inside the plant, the gold travels through the vascular system and accumulates as nanoparticles, primarily in the leaves and stems. The plants are not harmed in this process, acting as natural bioaccumulators. Once the plants have accumulated a significant amount of metal, they are harvested and incinerated. The resulting ash contains the concentrated gold, which must then be separated and refined through conventional metallurgical methods to obtain pure gold. The primary benefit of this method is its environmental impact. Phytomining could be employed to extract valuable metals from contaminated lands or mine tailings, contributing to environmental cleanup while generating an economic benefit. Research is also being conducted into the ability of other plants to accumulate platinum, palladium, and other rare metals, which could transform how we obtain strategic resources. In summary, phytomining represents a promising bridge between botany and metallurgy, offering a greener and more sustainable horizon for the future of the mining industry.
