Acidophiles and its Use in Mineral Biomining with Emphasis on China

Abstract:

Acidophiles have been widely used in heap and dump bioleaching of secondary copper sulfide ores and biooxidation of refractory gold ores. 22 genera of acidophiles have been found in biomining environments. This paper gives a preliminary introduction to the application of mineral biomining in China. Challenges and technical trends for heap bioleaching of primary copper sulfide ores, purification of bioleaching solution of polymetallic sulfide ores and biooxidation of carbonaceous refractory gold ores are also recommended.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 926-930)
• Pages: 4201-4204
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.926-930.4201
• Online since: May 2014
• Authors: Bo Wei Chen*, Jian Kang Wen, Guo Cheng Yao
• Keywords: Acidophiles, Bioleaching, Biomining, Biooxidation

References

[1] D.E. Rawlings, Characteristics and adaptability of iron- and sulfur-oxidizing microorganisms used for the recovery of metals from minerals and their concentrates, Microbial Cell Factories. 4 (2005) 1-15.

DOI: 10.1186/1475-2859-4-13

[2] S.A. Wakaman, I.S. Joffe, Micro-organisms concerned in the oxidation of sulphur in soil. ⅡThiobacillus thiooxidans, a new sulphur oxidising organism isolated from the soil, Journal of Bacteriology. 7 (1992) 239-256.

DOI: 10.1128/jb.7.2.239-256.1922

[3] A.R. Colmer, M.E. Hinkle, The role of microorganism in acid mine drainage: a preliminary report, Science. 106 (1947) 253-256.

DOI: 10.1126/science.106.2751.253

[4] S.R. Zimmerley, D.G. Wilson and J.D. Prater, U.S. Patent 2, 829, 964. (1958).

[5] S. Fecht, Microbe Miners: Bacteria extract metals and clean up the mess afterward, Scientific American. 305 (2011) 46.

[6] C.L. Brierley, J.A. Brierley, Progress in bioleaching: part B: applications of microbial processes by the minerals industries, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 97 (2013) 7543-7552.

DOI: 10.1007/s00253-013-5095-3

[7] D.E. Rawlings, D. Dew and D. Chris, Biomineralization of metal-containing ores and concentrates, Trends in Biotechnology. 21 (2003) 38-44.

DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7799(02)00004-5

[8] H. Tributsch, Direct versus indirect bioleaching, Hydrometallurgy. 59 (2001) 177-185.

DOI: 10.1016/s0304-386x(00)00181-x

[9] R Ruan, J. Wen and J. Chen, Bacterial heap-leaching: Practice in Zijinshan copper mine, Hydrometallurgy. 83 (2001) 77-82.

DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2006.03.048

[10] R. Ruan, S. Zhong, D. Wang, Life cycle assessment two copper metallurgical processes: bio-heapleach and flotation-flash smelter, China Non-ferrous Metallurgy. 29 (2010) 30-34.

[11] R. Ruan, X. Liu, G. Zou, J. Chen, J. Wen, D. Wang, Industrial practice of a distinct bioleaching system operated at low pH, high ferric concentration, elevated temperature and low redox potential for secondary copper sulphide, Hydrometallurgy. 108 (2011).

DOI: 10.1016/j.hydromet.2011.03.008

[12] W. Li, X. Peng, Dexing copper heap leaching waste research and practice optimization, Hydrometallurgy of China. 18 (1999) 29-33.

[13] J. Wen, R. Ruan, G. Yao, X. Liu and H. Zang. Bioheapleaching pilot plant tests on nickel sulphide ore, in: D. Wang, C. Sun, F. Wang, L. Zhang and L. Han (Eds. ), Proceedings of XXIV International Mineral Processing Proceeding Congress, Science Press, Beijing, 2008, pp.2611-2615.

[14] X. Han, P. Guo and Z. Ju, Industrial practice of bio-oxidization gold recovery technique, Gold. 11 (2006) 38-40.

[15] B. Chen, J. Wen, Feasibility study on heap bioleaching of chalcopyrite, Rare Metals. 32 (2013) 524-531.

DOI: 10.1007/s12598-013-0114-1