Minerals Engineering, Vol.12, No.1, 93-106, 1999
Bioleaching of a Spanish complex sulphide ore bulk concentrate
In the present work the applicability of bioleaching using a mixed culture of mesophilic microorganisms (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirilum ferrooxidans) on a bulk concentrate of a Spanish complex sulphide ore was studied. The bulk concentrate mainly consisted of by chalcopyrite, sphalerite and pyrite. Effects of nutrient medium, stirring, pulp density, temperature and the addition of CO2 (1% v/v) to the airflow were also studied. The highest leaching rates and recoveries were obtained with mechanically stirred reactors at 5% pulp density and 9K medium. However, by using 9K medium higher jarosite precipitation was observed. Results showed that the optimum temperature for copper bioleaching was 30 degrees C, whereas zinc dissolution increased with a rise in the temperature.
Keywords:SULFIDES