Supplementary materials for manuscript: Microbial diversity at remediated former gold and copper mines and the metal tolerance of indigenous microbial strains by Vira Velianyk, Martin Palusak, Nhung Huynh Anh Nguyen, Jakub Riha, Alena Sevcu, Miroslav Cernik, Veronika Hlavackova

Microorganisms play a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycles of elements, e.g. carbon and sulfur, and metals. As ubiquitous ecosystem components, they have a significant influence on most processes on Earth. Investigating microbial diversity is essential for understanding these processes, particularly in extreme environments such as mining sites. Microorganisms from mining sites often develop resistance to harsh conditions, including high concentrations of heavy metals and acidity. Additionally, certain microbes can metabolize or transform toxic substances, contributing to the remediation of other contaminated environments. As mining activities persist or legacy sites degrade, microbial data become invaluable for predicting long-term environmental impacts and informing sustainable management practices.