Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1 M. Sc., NanoBioEarth Lab, Applied Research Center of Geology Survey of Iran, Karaj, Iran
2 M. Sc., NanoBioEarth Lab, Applied Research Center of Geology Survey of Iran, Karaj; School of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Ph.D. Student, NanoBioEarth Lab, Applied Research Center of Geology Survey of Iran, Karaj, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, School of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
5 Master, NanoBioEarth Lab, Applied Research Center of Geology Survey of Iran, Karaj, Iran
Abstract
In this research, the bioleaching process of mixture of sulfide and carbonate zinc and lead ore of Angouran Mine, whit local mixed mesophilic bacteria was studied. The purpose of this study was to indicate the effects of pulp density, Fe(II) concentration and initial pH in the zinc and lead bioleaching. In Addition, the pH and Reduction-Oxidation Potential (ORP) have been monitored and evaluated during bioleaching process. The results showed that the zinc recovery through the bioleaching process (64.4 %) was much more than the leaching without bacteria (33.56 %). The results also showed, an increase in the pulp density caused a decrease in zinc recovery, and an increase in initial pH and ferrous concentration increased the zinc recovery. On the other hand, maximum lead recovery was 1.03 %. The study of bioleaching residual showed that the lead was recrystallized as Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. However, presenting the relation between mentioned parameters and Pb recovery was impossible due to lead precipitation. The results of this research could be used for bioleaching of high-grade Pb-Zn ores.
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