Abstract
Bioleaching of copper from the flue dust of the Sarcheshmeh copper smelter has been investigated. A series of continuous tests were carried out in two-stages of airlift bioreactors inoculated with the acidophilic, iron and sulfur oxidizing bacteria, initially derived from acid mine drainage. The effects of different parameters such as pulp density, retention time and temperature on the mesophile bioleach performance of the copper sulfide rich dust were evaluated after pre-leaching with dilute acid. Pulp densities of 2% and 4% gave the same oxidation–reduction potential in both reactors. However, increasing the average pulp density to 7% generated an unstable oxidation–reduction potential in the first bioreactor at 34 °C. Overall copper extractions calculated for 2%, 4% and 7% pulp densities were 90%, 89% and 86% with mean retention times of 2.7, 4 and 5 days, respectively. The process is net acid consuming and has the potential for further development and feasibility studies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
