Column bioleaching of arsenic-bearing low-grade sulfide copper ore

The method, experimental equipment and results of column leaching were presented for low-grade copper sulfide ore. The experiment was carried out in 8 organic glass columns. The effect of process parameters, such as bacteria variety, ore particle size, aerating and leaching period on the bioleaching rate was investigated. During the period of 167 d, the copper leaching rate was 80.75% by Z08090-O strain with-12 mm ore size. Using common domesticated species Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, the copper leaching rate decreased because of acid accumulation in the ore containing large quantities of pyrite but little acid-consuming gangue. However, by Z08090-O strain, the copper leaching rate was higher.