In 2019, We Discovered a Fungus That Metabolizes Gold — Some Already Want to Use These Organisms as the Key to Mining in Space
- ANKITHA CHILUKA
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
A ground-breaking discovery in Australia is shaking up the world of mining. Scientists have uncovered a remarkable fungus that interacts with gold in a way no one expected. This new finding could lead to more sustainable methods of gold extraction.
In a discovery that blurs the lines between biology and mining, researchers at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, found that a species of fungus has the unusual ability to metabolize gold. This finding could reshape the future of mining, both on Earth and in the vast reaches of space. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, is best known for decomposing organic material, but it was found to have an extraordinary interaction with gold, a chemically inert metal that most organisms cannot process.
A scientific mystery solved
In 2019, the research team led by Dr. Tsing Bohu from CSIRO made a striking observation: certain strains of Fusarium oxysporum were capable of extracting gold from their environment. Gold is notoriously chemically stable, meaning it does not easily react with other elements or compounds. The fact that this fungus can metabolize gold in such a manner defies conventional understanding.
“Gold is so chemically inactive that this type of interaction is unusual and surprising,” Dr. Bohu explained. The fungus does not just interact with the metal; it incorporates gold into its structure, leading to the potential for more sustainable methods of gold extraction in the future.
Implications for gold mining in Australia
The discovery has generated significant interest in the mining industry, especially in Australia, which ranks as the world’s second-largest gold producer. Gold extraction is becoming increasingly difficult and environmentally damaging as traditional mining methods tap out accessible resources.
Now, the idea of using fungi to pinpoint new gold deposits is being explored. In regions like Kalgoorlie, in Western Australia, fungi could serve as biological indicators, much like eucalyptus trees or termite mounds, which have been used to find hidden gold deposits beneath the surface. Researchers propose that the fungus might help pinpoint areas rich in gold by analyzing soil for specific strains of Fusarium oxysporum.
The benefits of this approach could extend to more sustainable practices. By using fungi to locate gold instead of invasive mining techniques, the industry could reduce its environmental footprint, preserving ecosystems while efficiently identifying valuable gold sources.
Space mining: fungi could play a crucial role
What makes this discovery even more tantalizing is its potential use in space exploration. As companies begin to explore asteroid mining, one of the most pressing challenges is how to extract valuable metals from asteroids without relying on heavy machinery or complex equipment. This is where fungi could come in.
The concept, known as “metabolic mineralurgy,” proposes sending modified fungi to space to process ores directly from celestial bodies. If the technology proves viable, fungi could simplify the process of extracting metals such as gold from asteroids, offering a far more cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional space mining methods.
The idea of using living organisms to perform mining tasks in space could fundamentally change how humanity approaches resource extraction beyond Earth. If fungi can thrive in the harsh environment of space while also metabolizing metals, it could open up a new frontier for space exploration and mining.
Biological advantages of gold-coated fungi
Research also revealed another surprising benefit of the gold-coated fungi: they grow faster and larger than those that do not interact with gold. This suggests that the presence of gold provides the fungi with a biological advantage, possibly offering a more robust and efficient growth pattern.
Furthermore, these gold-coated fungi tend to host a more diverse range of other fungi, supporting a richer ecosystem within the soil. This finding suggests that gold-coated fungi may play an important role in the broader biological community, influencing biodiversity in ways previously not understood.
The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the interactions between organisms and precious metals and has the potential to redefine our understanding of gold’s role in the environment. As the research continues, it may offer new methods for sustainable resource extraction on Earth and in space, while also shedding light on the unseen role fungi play in nature’s recycling systems.
This article is written by Arizki Ameri which was published in Indian Defence Review Journal.
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