Abstract
With the race to net-zero, the metals industry is facing a large decarbonization pressure. This has driven producers to consider innovative paths to decarbonize such as the use of biotechnologies. These technologies are considered by the industry for processes both upstream, as fossil-based carbon replacements, and downstream, as end-of-pipe solutions. In this paper, biocarbon is explored as an alternative for reductants, carburizers, and/or energy sources for different smelting processes. Microalgae and bioethanol production are investigated as carbon capture technologies for various metallurgical off-gas streams. This paper discusses the potential of biotechnologies as a decarbonization strategy for pyrometallurgical processes.