Effects of intermittent irrigation on the extraction of copper from heap bioleaching systems.
The use of microorganisms for the regeneration of leach agents in the heap leaching of mineral sulfide ores is finding increasing application as a hydrometallurgical unit operation applicable to the treatment of the increasing low grade ores. These same microorganisms contribute to the formation of acid rock drainage (ARD) through the oxidation of base metal sulfides, particularly pyrite. In this research, the effect of intermittent irrigation on the extraction of copper and iron from a low grade chalcopyrite ore in the heap bioleaching system is investigated and compared with the effect under abiotic conditions. As a secondary investigation, the effect of the introduction of layers of fines, which may develop during the course of the operation of heaps, on copper extraction in heap bioleaching systems was also researched.
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Centre for Bioprocess Engineering Research