Examining the Effects of Typical Reagents for Sulfide Flotation on Bio-Oxidation Activity of Ferrous Iron Oxidizing Microorganisms

Abstract

Mineral separation by froth flotation is widely used around the world for the beneficiation of sulfide ores. Flotation products (typically concentrate) are subjected to metallurgical processes for metal extractions. Bioleaching as a metallurgical procedure indicated many advantages over other traditional techniques (pyro- and hydro-metallurgy). However, organic flotation reagent residuals on the surface of minerals are effective on biological activities of microorganisms. In this work, to extensively study these effects, typical sulfide flotation collectors (Sodium ethyl-xanthate, Potassium isopropyl-xanthate, Potassium isobutyl-xanthate, Potassium amyl-xanthate, and Dithiophosphate (Aero)), and frothers (pine oil (PO) and methyl isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC)) were used in the presence of various bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans) to investigate their effects on bio-oxidation. The results of this investigation can be used to better understand the mechanisms of bio-activities when reagent residues are on the surface of flotation products and they will feed to the bioleaching process.