Dr Ana Santos

About

Dr. Ana Santos is a Research Fellow in Geomicrobiology at the Natural History Museum, London, contributing her expertise in bio-based metal extraction methods (a.k.a. Bioleaching) to the Elemental Hub. Her work focuses on developing and applying microbial processes to extract critical metals from mining and electronic waste streams. As part of the Elemental team, she is advancing innovative bioleaching techniques that enable smarter, more sustainable remining of legacy and urban wastes, transforming environmental liabilities into economic assets. Her research supports the project’s goal of integrating biotechnological solutions into circular economy models for metal extraction and recovery. 

Key Areas of Expertise: 

• Bioleaching and microbial metal extraction from sulfidic and oxidised low grade ores and mining waste materials 

• Bioremediation and valorisation of mine-impacted environments, such as acid mine drainage. 

• Applied geomicrobiology for circular economy and sustainable resource management 

Read more about the research theme I am working under at the Natural History Museum