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Method of extracting copper and gold by bacterial leaching.
Member rating: No Rating | Words: | Submitted: Thu Feb 26 2004
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Method of extracting copper and gold by bacterial leaching The methods of extracting gold and copper have significant differences and therefore require separate attention. Prior to leaching occurring, either a tailings pile must be built up upon a base of impermeable rock or a series of holes drilled into the ore, to provide access for the bacteria?. At process one the bacteria thiobacillus ferro-oxidans and thiobacillus thio-oxidans, naturally occurring bacteria that obtain the energy that they need to survive by oxidising Fe2+ and S2- ions?, are added to the copper ore. The bacteria in the acidic leaching solution then convert the insoluble sulphide minerals into a solution containing Cu2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and SO42- ions. The acidic solution provides the optimum pH for the bacteria to work at. Following the bacterial action, the solution is drained off of the impermeable rock or pumped out of the ground through the remaining holes and the...
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