Base Metal Tank Bioleaching: From Laboratory Test Work to Commercialization

Abstract:

The tank bioleaching of metal sulphides is an established technology. Commercial success started with the treatment of refractory gold concentrates using mesophilic micro-organisms, followed by the development of tank bioleaching processes for the treatment of base metal concentrates. This was initially a mesophilic process treating secondary copper sulphides, pentlandite and cobaltiferous pyrite. There was though limited potential for recovery of copper from chalcopyrite concentrates due to low copper extractions. Over the past decades the optimization of bioleaching processes for the treatment of chalcopyrite ores and concentrates has been the subject of numerous research programmes. The use of bioleaching for the treatment of pure chalcopyrite concentrates has, however, not found commercial application mainly due to competitive smelter prices. With this in mind, Mintek’s base metal bioleaching development over the past few years focused on the treatment of complex polymetallic concentrates containing contaminants such as As, Bi, Pb and Sb as a niche application for tank bioleaching processes. These contaminants pose problems when processed via the smelting route. This paper reviews Mintek’s involvement in the development of base metal tank bioleaching processes for the treatment of chalcopyrite and polymetallic concentrates. Examples of laboratory-scale test work as well as larger scale demonstration and commercialization of the technology are highlighted.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1130)
• Pages: 197-200
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1130.197
• Online since: November 2015
• Authors: Mariekie Gericke*
• Keywords: Base Metals, Bioleaching, Chalcopyrite, Commercialization, Pentlandite, Polymetallic

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