Effects of ore mineralogy on the bioleaching of a Nigerian complex sulphide ore with mixed cultures of mesophilic bacteria

P. A. Olubambi, S. Ndlovu, J. O. Borode

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The effect of ore mineralogy on the bioleaching of metals from complex sulphides was studied by investigating the bioleaching of zinc and copper from a bulk complex sulphide ore from Ishiagu, Nigeria, using mixed cultures of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum in mechanically stirred reactors at varying particle sizes. Mineral phases within the varied particle sizes of-53, 53, 75 and 106μm were identified using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), while the elemental distribution within the varied particles sizes was determined by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Optical Emission Spectrometry using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Bulk ore and the leached residues were examined by X-Ray Diffraction. The highest bioleaching recoveries were obtained at particle size of 75μm, while particle size of 106μm gave the least recoveries. Lower recoveries at particle sizes of 53 and -53 μm were as a result of their higher silica and siderite content which affects pH, iron mobility and oxidation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSohn International Symposium
Subtitle of host publicationAdvanced Processing of Metals and Materials - Proceedings of the International Symposium
Pages561-572
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 27 Aug 200631 Aug 2006

Publication series

Name2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium
Volume3

Conference

Conference2006 TMS Fall Extraction and Processing Division: Sohn International Symposium
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period27/08/0631/08/06

Keywords

  • Bioleaching
  • Complex sulphide ore
  • Ore mineralogy
  • Particle size

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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