Molybdenite Bioleaching by Thermophilic Bacteria in a RELVA-ARBP Bioreactor

Abstract:

The biological technologies application in sulfide minerals leaching to the recovery of valuables metal is a very important technological advance. They are environmental friendly and favor the sustainability of metals production in the mining and metals industry. Nowadays there is not enough basic information on molybdenite bioleaching, as well as there isn`t equip capable to obtain efficient molybdenum extractions. The difficulty depends in part on microorganisms tolerance to the molybdenum. An 85% molybdenum extraction in 6 months has been reported. This work assesses the molybdenite bioleaching from a concentrate (MoS₂) with thermophilic microorganisms, at a temperature of 65 °C, on a new reactor designed at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, to obtain higher extractions of molybdenum. Since bioleaching an aerobic process, the oxygen transference is a difficult condition to achieve because its solubility in water is very low and in the air 20.9 %. In addition to homogenize and maintain constant the nutrients concentration, in this new bioreactor could be established the physical, chemical and biological conditions that lead to the microorganisms optimal growth, due to these are environmental sensitive. This new equip allows us mix the nutrients in a homogeneous way. Also is able maintain constant the nutrients concentration, and all controlled physical, biological and chemical parameters. Finally does not cause any microorganisms damage. The RELVA-ARBP bioreactor allows us the control of necessary conditions for a growth more efficient of the bacterial strains. This will allow leach more rapidly the ore, increasing the molybdenum extraction kinetics. The tests results of bioleaching molybdenite with a mixed strain of extreme thermophiles carried out at 65 °C in an orbital incubator and in the RELVA-ARBP bioreactor, show a better efficiency of the bioreactor used.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 825)
• Pages: 418-422
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.825.418
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Rosa Elva Rivera-Santillán, Felipe Patricio-Ramírez, Francisco Artuto López-López
• Keywords: Concentrate, Hydrometallurgical Bio-Reactor, Molybdenite Bioleaching, Sulfide, Thermophile

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