Mineral-microbe interactions play an important role in geological and environmental processes

Minerals are the basic building blocks of the earth

Minerals and microorganisms interact on all spatial and temporal scales

Throughout Earth's history, both minerals and microorganisms have increased their species diversity and functional complexity

Mineral-microbe interactions have many applications in biotechnology, including bioleaching of precious metals and manufacture of mineral fertilizers, remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants, biosynthesis of new materials and _CO2 sequestration

First, there is currently only a qualitative understanding of the role of minerals in supporting microbial ecology

Second, the distinction between biominerals and abiotic minerals is challenging

Third, laboratory mechanistic investigations must be linked to field observations

Fourth, controlling the interaction of minerals and microorganisms can benefit mankind, such as CO ₂ sequestration and mitigation of global warming effects, resource recovery, environmental protection, and novel material manufacturing