Abstract
AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the leaching of a non‐sulfide copper ore by a new bioleaching process, the Ferredox process. In the Ferredox process, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans reduces ferric ions and oxidizes sulfur at low pH under anaerobic conditions. In this study, a bacterial culture (mainly A. ferrooxidans) was initially grown aerobically. Bacterial dissolution of iron sludge under anaerobic conditions versus sulfuric acid was compared. An iron slurry sample from the West Rand Ditch near Hoyerswerda, Germany and from the Golestan Mine in Iran was investigated. Two shake flasks each containing an iron slurry and non‐sulfidic Fe/Cu ore were used. One shake flask each was subjected to an anaerobic process by A. ferrooxidans, while the other sample was leached with dilute sulfuric acid. In the chemical leaching, the amount of dissolved copper was 2.5 %, only slightly higher than in the bioleaching. In a subsequent anaerobic column leaching with A. ferrooxidans, 35 % of the contained copper was mobilized from 1366 g ore.
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.
