Sulphide Mineral Leaching and Chemistry of Sulphide Oxidation by Bacteria

Abstract

Bioleaching is a technology which employs extraction of metals from low-grade ores and concentrates by environmental-friendly process. The microorganisms or its metabolites plays crucial role in the dissolution of metals by attacking mineral surface. The extraction of metals from sulphide mineral involves a group of chemolithotrophic bacteria, especially Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and T. thiooxidans. Whereas, heterotrophic bacteria are used for treating minerals other than sulphides. In these cases, production of organic acids, are produced into the surrounding by the microorganisms for metal solubilization.