OPTIMISATION OF BIO-OXIDATION PROCESSES FOR GOLD RECOVERY

摘要

Efficient sulphide-mineral oxidising microorganisms were enriched from mine-site samples using gold-containing flotation concentrate as a substrate. The bio-oxidative culture was active at pH 2.0 and 1.5, indicating that the indigenous microorganisms are suitable for bio-oxidation processes. Further experiments will seek optimal bio-oxidation conditions by batch incubations, followed by operation of laboratory-scale bioreactors. The present study aims to find out the appropriate treatment time, pulp density, pH, temperature, and microbial community for minimised chemical consumption in cyanide leaching, minimised arsenic dissolution, and stable arsenic-containing residue. The research is expected to result in a novel tank bio-oxidation process with efficient gold recovery and decreased need for energy.