Copper Recovery by Bioleaching of Chalcopyrite: A Microcalorimetric Approach for the Fast Determination of Bioleaching Activity

Abstract:

Low grade copper ores containing chalcopyrite are increasingly used for copper recovery via biomining. Since metal sulfide oxidation is an exothememic process, bioleaching activity can be measured due to the heat output by microcalorimetry, which is a non-destructive and non-invasive method. The bioleaching activity of pure cultures of Sulfolobus metallicus, Metallosphaera hakonensis and a moderate thermophilic enrichment culture on high grade chalcopyrite was evaluated. Chalcopyrite leaching by microorganisms showed a higher copper recovery than sterile controls. Chemical chalcopyrite leaching by acid produced heat due to the exothermic reaction, the heat output was increased while metal sulfide oxidation by microorganisms.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 322-325
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.322
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Beate Krok, Axel Schippers, Wolfgang Sand
• Keywords: Bioleaching, Copper Recovery, Microcalorimetry

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