Oxidation of Chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂) by Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans and a Mixed Culture of Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans Like Bacterium in Shake Flasks

Chalcopyrite bioleaching process using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and a mixed culture of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans like bacterium was carried out. Two mineral particle sizes were evaluated, 200 and 325 Tyler mesh. The strains were adapted by gradually decreasing of the main energy sources and increasing in the mineral content. The experiments were performed in absence of ferrous sulphate and elemental sulfur. When the mixed culture was used, pH values were always over 2,1, indicating a probable passivation of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans in the consortium. For both cultures, the Cu2+ dissolution occurred at relatively low redox potential values, around 400mV–450mV, while at high redox potential values, 550mV, chalcopyrite dissolution was inhibited. Copper lixiviation was around 40% for both tests. The Fourier Transform-Infrared spectra showed that the main oxidation phase is jarosite. The results showed that chalcopyrite oxidation is more dependent on the redox potential than particle size or type of culture used.