ENGINEERING A BIOLEACHING HYDROMETALLURGICAL PLANT TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

摘要

Bio-hydro-metallurgy is a simple and robust technology that is expanding rapidly to treat different metals. In the case of copper bioleaching, recent innovations well tested at both the laboratory and pilot plant level have been incorporated in the engineering of the Escondida run-of-mine commercial plant. This paper reviews the development and implementation of these innovations that include the aeration system, generation of inoculant, and minimizing heat losses in the heap. These critical parameters are responsible for creating an ideal heap environment that lead to optimum microbial activity. Results from the Escondida commercial dump plant are presented that validate the successful engineering of these innovations.