BIOLEACHING OF COPPER AND IRON FROM POLYMETALLIC TENKA CONCENTRATE

摘要

Polymelullic sulphide concentrate "Tenka" is taken from the ore deposit Majdanpek grounds (Serbia). The sample contained 3.7l%Cu, 27.2%Zn, lS.4%Fe, 4.61% Pb, 3.5 git Au and 178.95 git Ag. It was determined from the results of mineralogical analysis of the concentrate that the Tenka is polymetallic (Zn, Cu, Fe. Pb. Ag. Au) sulphide concentrate. Vie concentrate was milled whereby 87.04% particle size was less than 10pm. Mesophilic mixed bacterial culture of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans, isolated from underground mine ore body Tilva Ros, is used for experimental leaching. The initial pH value was adjusted to pH 1.6. The content of solid phase in the pulp was 8% (w./v.) and temperature was maintained at 30 °C The results qfbioleaching process showed that 83% and 68%, efficiency of Cu and Fe leaching, respectively. can be achieved using this process.