Inhibitory effect of iron-oxidizing bacteria on ferrous-promoted chalcopyrite leaching
A substantial amount of copper is obtained by dump leaching of low-grade ore that would otherwise become waste. It is generally accepted that iron-oxidizing bacteria. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, enhance chalcopyrite leaching. However, this article details a case of the bacteria suppressing chalcopyrite leaching. Bacterial leaching experiments were performed with sulfuric acid solutions containing 0 or 0.04 mol/dm{sup 3} ferrous sulfate. Without ferrous sulfate, the bacteria enhance copper extraction and oxidation of ferrous ions released from chalcopyrite. However, the bacteria suppressed chalcopyrite leaching when ferrous sulfate was added. This is mainly due to the bacterial consumption of ferrous ions which act as a promoter for chalcopyrite oxidation with dissolved oxygen. Coprecipitation of copper ions with jarosite formed by the bacterial ferrous oxidation also causes the bacterial suppression of copper extraction.
- Research Organization:
- Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (JP)
- OSTI ID:
- 20000546
- Journal Information:
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 64, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: 20 Aug 1999; ISSN 0006-3592
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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