There are many links between microbiology and mining, and the number of such ties is continuing to grow. With its methods, concepts, and — ultimately — its products, modern chemistry is determining the technology of the future. However, research is needed in many different areas in order for this to continue. At the same time, development of the latest technologies in chemistry is requiring huge material resources, the latter being needed to establish new theoretical principles for the technologies, validate them in laboratory studies, and have the new methods undergo field testing and certification. Determining the optimum applications for microbiological methods of recovering metals and significantly expanding research in this area are important issues that need to be resolved as soon as possible.