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Acid leaching of a copper ore by sulphur-oxidizing microorganisms

Debora M. de Oliveira, Luis G.S. Sobral

2014enbioleachingsulphuric acid leachingbiooxidationcopper extraction

Abstract

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This study examines the potential for use of biogenic sulphuric acid for leaching of a low-grade Brazilian ore containing 0.64% copper occurring as brochantite and malachite. The ore was agglomerated with elemental sulphur and sulphur-oxidizing microorganisms. Copper extraction was more efficient from inoculated ore amended with 6.67 kg So/t of ore, compared to uninoculated ore with no added So and leached with an acid solution maintained at pH 2.0 with sulphuric acid. The rate and extent of copper bioleaching were proportional to the amount of added So, achieving a maximum of 88% copper extraction after 9 weeks with 13.3 kg S added/t of ore. Cu extraction was more efficient when sulphur was uniformly mixed with the ore rather than added only to the upper zone of the ore column. Additionally, there was no significant efficiency difference in acid leaching of Cu from ore crushed by a high pressure grinding rolls compared to a conventional jaw crusher. These findings suggest that biogenic sulphuric acid can enhance copper recovery from low-grade ores, particularly with optimal sulphur application methods.

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Cite This Work

@article{04a2a93c-6dee-4d48-a41e-f4fae48e1341,
  title={Acid leaching of a copper ore by sulphur-oxidizing microorganisms},
  author={Debora M. de Oliveira and Luis G.S. Sobral},
  year={2014},
  language={en}
}
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Acid leaching of a copper ore by sulphur-oxidizing microorganisms
AU  - Debora M. de Oliveira
AU  - Luis G.S. Sobral
PY  - 2014
LA  - en
ER  -

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