Advancing Biomining Innovations: Highlights from the CCB Futures Forum 2026

The CCB Futures Forum (Biomining) was held on 9^th March 2026 via webex and face to face. The session was chaired by Associate Professor Dr. Rashidah Abdul Rahim and attended by academic staff and advisors from various disciplines.

The participants:

• Associate Professor Dr. Rashidah Abdul Rahim
• Dr. Go Furusawa
• Dr. Lau Nyok Sean
• Associate Professor IR. Dr. Syed Fuad Bin Saiyid Hashim
• Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Hekarl Uzir
• Dr. Kamarul Zaman Zarkasi
• Professor Dr. Mohd Nazalan Mohd Najimudin
• Dr. Mohamed Ismail Mohamed Ibrahim
  Dr. Ammar Khazaal Khadim Mansoori
• Miss Nor Atikah Hussain
• Mr Azman Darus

The meeting focused primarily on advancing a proposed bioleaching project, with detailed discussions on selecting suitable microorganisms, optimizing microbial performance, and determining appropriate bioreactor systems. It was emphasized that microbial sources should originate directly from mining sites to ensure adaptability to local environmental conditions. Additionally, tailored modification of microbes was highlighted as essential to enhance oxidation rates and resistance to heavy metals.

Discussions also explored innovative approaches for rare earth element (REE) extraction, including the use of microbial injection methods to improve recovery efficiency. The importance of choosing suitable operational systems—whether controlled bioreactors or open-reactor setups—was also considered, balancing efficiency with practical field applications.