*Bio: Shortened form of Biology; refers to usage of bacteria. 
*Hydro: Term referring to the usage of water; process occurs in aqueous environments
*Metallurgy: A process involving the separating and refining of metals from other substances; 
*Bioleaching: Using biological agents (bacteria) to extract metals or soils; general term used to encompass all forms biotechnological forms of extraction (hydrometallurgy, biohydrometallurgy, biomining, etc)