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Describe the processes used to extract copper and gold from their ores using bacterial leaching - In each case, explain how the micro-organisms liberate the metal from its ores and describe how the metal is then extracted from the mixture.
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| Submitted: Mon Dec 22 2003
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Q1:- Describe the processes used to extract copper and gold from their ores using bacterial leaching. In each case, explain how the micro-organisms liberate the metal from its ores and describe how the metal is then extracted from the mixture. Bacterial Leaching of ores and other Materials Bacterial leaching is a process in which bacteria is used to extract heavy metals from low grade ores and tailings (left from an earlier traditional mining). In mining industry, bioleaching is a new technique used to extract minerals such copper and Gold from their low grade ores. The main agents used in bioleaching process are micro organisms such as Chemolithoautotrophs; they capture carbon for the synthesis of cellular components not from organic nutrients but from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. These bacteria are Thiobacillus Ferrooxidans and Thiobacillus Thiooxidans. Thiobacilli grow in acidic environment because they are acidophilic (acid loving). They drive energy by the oxidation...
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