BIOLEACHI
NG
By- Aayush .A. Shirsawade
Roll no.- 237102
What is Bioleaching:-
• Bioleaching is the extraction of metals from ores using the principle
components of water, air and microorganisms all of which are found
readily with in the environment.
• This environmentally friendly and cost-effective method has gained
significance in the mining industry.
• The primary chemical reaction involved in bioleaching of ores is the
oxidation of metal sulfides or metal iron.
• Relies on specialized microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that can
catalyze the oxidation of metal sulfides and metal iron.
Need for Bioleaching:-
• It can unlock the economic potential of previously unexploited ore
deposits.
• Bioleaching can selectively target specific metals in complex ores to
extract certain metals while leaving others behind, providing a more
efficient and controlled extraction process.
• The reduced use of toxic chemicals in bioleaching processes enhances
safety for workers and surrounding communities
Ores and micro-organisms suitable for
Bioleaching:-
•Copper Ores:
Microorganisms: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.
Ore Types: Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), chalcocite (Cu2S), and covellite (CuS).
•Gold Ores:
Microorganisms: Pseudomonas iodooxidans and Roseovarius tolerans . Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans .
Ore Types: pyrite (FeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS).
•Uranium Ores:
Microorganisms: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans
Ore Types: Uraninite (UO2), pitchblende (U3O8).
• Iron Ores:
Microorganisms: Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.
Ore Types: Pyrite (FeS2), magnetite (Fe3O4)
Mechanism of bioleaching:-
• 1.) Direct leaching in which the bacterial membrane directly interacts with the
sulfide/metal surface using enzymatic mechanisms. Thus direct leaching is
observed only if the cells attach to the mineral surface.
• 2.) The indirect mechanism of bioleaching involves microorganisms indirectly
assisting in the extraction of metals by producing acidic metabolic byproducts
that create a favorable environment for chemical leaching reactions.
Extraction of Gold metal using
bioleaching.
• Step 1: Attachment of Microorganisms (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans)
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is introduced into the gold ore slurry or heap..These
microorganisms attach themselves to the surface of the pyrite mineral.
• Step 2: Oxidation of Pyrite (FeS2)
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans catalyzes the oxidation of pyrite. The overall reaction is
as follows: 4FeS2 + 15O2 + 14H2O → 4Fe(OH)3 + 8SO4^2- + 2H+
In this reaction, pyrite is oxidized to form ferric hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), sulfate ions
(SO4^2-), and protons (H+). The released protons contribute to the acidification of the
solution.
• Step 3: Acidification of Solution
The microbial oxidation of pyrite produces protons, leading to a decrease in pH. This
acidification is essential for creating an acidic environment,contributing to the
• Step 4: Oxidation of Gold
In the acidic environment created by the microbial activity, gold (Au) is oxidized from its
native form. The reaction can be represented as follows:
2Au + 6H+ + 3O2 → 2Au^3+ + 3H2O
This oxidation reaction releases gold ions into the solution.
• Step 5: Solubilization of Gold
The soluble gold ions (Au^3+) are now present in the solution, making them available for
recovery.
These gold ions can be easily separated from the solution using downstream processes such
as solvent extraction or precipitation.
• Step 6: Downstream Processing
The gold ions recovered from the bioleaching solution are subjected to downstream
processing steps.
This may involve solvent extraction, where an organic solvent is used to selectively extract
the gold ions from the solution.
Alternatively, gold may be precipitated by reducing the gold ions back to their metallic form
Techniques involved in Bioleaching:-
• Heap Leaching: In heap leaching, crushed ore is stacked in heaps and
irrigated with a leaching solution containing microorganisms. This
method is often used for low-grade ores.It is also called dump
leaching
• Stirred Tank Bioleaching: Stirred tank bioreactors continuously
agitate the ore slurry, enhancing the oxygen level and equal nutrients
distribution.
• In-situ bioleaching: In situ leaching (ISL),is a mining method used to
extract valuable minerals or metals from underground ore deposits
without physically removing the ore.
Factors Affecting Bioleaching:-
Advantages of Bioleaching Disadvantages of Bioleaching
Requires Specialized Microorganisms: Specific microorganisms
Environmentally Friendly: Reduces environmental impact
are needed for each type of ore, making it complex and site-
. compared to traditional mining and metallurgical methods.
specific.
Low Energy Consumption: Typically consumes less energy than Slower Process: Bioleaching can be slower than traditional
high-temperature metallurgical processes. methods, affecting overall metal production rates.
Adaptation Challenges: Microorganisms may require
Selective Extraction: Allows for selective extraction of specific
adaptation to specific ore conditions, delaying the start of
metals from complex ores, minimizing waste.
bioleaching.
Limited Operating pH Range: The pH range for optimal
Low Emissions: Generates fewer pollutants and greenhouse
microbial activity is limited, and extreme pH values can inhibit
gases, reducing air and water pollution.
bioleaching.
Variable Recovery Rates: The efficiency of bioleaching can vary
Suitable for Complex Ores: Can process complex ores with
depending on ore type and conditions, affecting metal recovery
variable mineral compositions.
rates.
Risk of Contaminant Release: In some cases, bioleaching can
Sustainable Resource Management: Supports responsible
release contaminants if not managed properly, requiring strict
management of mineral resources for future generations.
environmental monitoring.
Reduced Health Risks: Decreases the use of toxic chemicals, Limited Application: Not suitable for all ore types, limiting its
improving safety for workers and nearby communities. widespread adoption.
References used-
• Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry by Nagina Parmar, Ajay Singh
• Physical Chemistry of Bacterial by Leaching Frank K. Crundwell.
• Microbial oxidation of gold ores and gold bioleaching by Gregory J. Olson.
• Bioleaching of rare earth elements from industrial and electronic wastes: mechanism and process efficiency
by Pema Lhamo and Biswanath Mahanty.
• Bioleaching of chalcopyrite By Woranart Jonglertjunya.
• Bioleaching of Iron, Copper, Lead, and Zinc from the Sludge Mining Sediment at Different Particle Sizes,
pH, and Pulp Density Using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans by Dana Rouchalova, Kamila Rouchalova, Iva
Janakova *, Vladimir Cablik and Sarah Janstova
• Heap Leaching of Gold-Bearing Deposits: Theory and Operational Description James A. Brierley
• D.E. Rawlings B.D. Johnson (Eds.) Biomining
