An Investigation into the bacterial leaching of a gold-bearing pyrite/arsenopyrite ore
type: CreativeWork
description: The main aim of this study was to develop an economically viable bacterial leaching process for a gold-containing pyrite/arsenopyrite ore. The effect of various parameters on, and the mechanism of, bacterial leaching were investigated. Initially milled run-of-mine ore was examined. Batch tests and a continuous bacterial leach were carried out. Bacterial leaching was successful and 91-93% gold dissolution was attained in four days. The process was not economically feasible when compared to the standard flotation-roasting process.
abstract: The main aim of this study was to develop an economically viable bacterial leaching process for a gold-containing pyrite/arsenopyrite ore. The effect of various parameters on, and the mechanism of, bacterial leaching were investigated. Initially milled run-of-mine ore was examined. Batch tests and a continuous bacterial leach were carried out. Bacterial leaching was successful and 91-93% gold dissolution was attained in four days. The process was not economically feasible when compared to the standard flotation-roasting process.
author: Norman, Philippa Fernandes
language: eng
date published: 1986
date modified: 2026-07-22T22:23:47Z
provider: University of Cape Town
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Department of Molecular and Cell Biology

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/21903