Bioleaching of Sulfide Ores by a Pure Culture of Acidithiobacillus Thiooxidans

Abstract

Throughout the world, the reserves of metal ore deposits are dwindling, research into the extraction of metals from low grade deposits are becoming increasingly important. Low concentrations of Cu, Fe were analyzed in the Oyu Tolgoi Southwest deposit’s Phase 4B ore, which is unsuitable to be extracted through flotation method. Bacterial cells have been shown to be capable of converting metals form solid to liquid phase in the bioleaching process.