minerals Review Experiences and Future Challenges of Bioleaching Research in South Korea Danilo Borja 1, Kim Anh Nguyen 1, Rene A. Silva 2, Jay Hyun Park 3, Vishal Gupta 4, Yosep Han 1, Youngsoo Lee 1,* and Hyunjung Kim 1,* 1 Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Engineering, Chonbuk National University, 567, Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea;
[email protected] (D.B.);
[email protected] (K.A.N.);
[email protected] (Y.H.) 2 Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X5, Canada;
[email protected] 3 Geotechnics and Recycling Technology Division, Institute of Mine Reclamation Corporation, 2, Segye-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 26464, Korea;
[email protected] 4 Research & Development, EP Minerals, 9785 Gateway Dr., Suite 1000, Reno, NV 89521, USA;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected] (Y.L.);
[email protected] (H.K.); Tel.: +82-63-270-2392 (Y.L.); +82-63-270-2370 (H.K.); Fax: +82-63-270-2366 (Y.L. & H.K.) Academic Editor: Anna H. Kaksonen Received: 1 October 2016; Accepted: 28 November 2016; Published: 2 December 2016 Abstract: This article addresses the state of the art of bioleaching research published in South Korean Journals. Our research team reviewed the available articles registered in the Korean Citation Index (KCI, Korean Journal Database) addressing the relevant aspects of bioleaching. We systematically categorized the target metal sources as follows: mine tailings, electronic waste, mineral ores and metal concentrates, spent catalysts, contaminated soil, and other materials.