Biooxidation process for recovery of metal values from sulfur-containing ore materials

摘要

A process for the recovery of one or more metal values from a metal ore material comprising those of one or more values and a matrix material having a sulfur content wherein the sulfur is present in an oxidation-reduction state of zero or less comprisinga. forming particulates from particles of said ore and an inoculate comprising bacteria capable of at least partially oxidizing the sulfur content;b. forming a heap of said particulates;c. biooxidizing the sulfur content andd. recovering those one or more metal values.