Integrated, tank/heap biooxidation process for the lixiviation of sulfide ores

摘要

A metal-containing refractory sulfide ore is split into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is partially biodigested by a sulfide-digesting microorganism in a biooxidation reactor where the microorganism is acclimated to the sulfide "diet" provided by the ore. The partially digested ore is then combined with the second portion. The resulting material is then dewatered, biooxidized and subjected to a lixiviation process.