Introduction of microorganisms in bio-assisted heap leaching operations

摘要

The invention discloses a method of introducing microorganisms into a heap of material for bio-assisted heap leaching by preparing microorganisms substantially without exopolymers on their external cell walls; adding such microorganisms to the heap; and re-activating the production of exopolymers on the external cells walls of the microorganisms in the heap. The invention also extends to a method of enriching the environment of microorganisms' embedded in a heap for bio-assisted heap leaching.