Center for Mineral Bioprocessing

The Mackay Center for Mineral Bioprocessing, administered by the Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, has established specific goals for its operation. The goals are: (1) conduct fundamental and applied research work in the emerging multidisciplinary field of mineral bioprocessing; (2) promote and advance the discipline; (3) disseminate research and practical information relating to the field; and (4) promote the interaction of universities (particularly campuses of the Nevada System of Higher Education), industry and government within the discipline.

The mineral bioprocessing field includes the use of microorganisms in aiding the exploitation of ores, and the bioremediation of toxic effluents potentially produced by mineral-industry operations.