DNA sequencing methods can also assist in identifying minerals crucial for the transition to green energy.These ‘biological fingerprints’ can reveal what minerals are buried tens of meters below the earth’s surface without having to drill. The researchers believe it is the first use of modern DNA sequencing of microbial communities in the search for buried minerals.
When ore interacts with soil, it changes the communities of microbes in the soil. The researchers tested this in the lab, introducing kimberlite to soil microbes and watching how they changed in number and“We took those changed communities of microbes as indicators for the presence of ore materials, or biological fingerprints in the soil of buried mineral deposits,” said Phillips.
The technique has potential application across other metallic deposits. The team’s ongoing research shows similar results for identifying porphyry copper deposits.
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