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The role of bacteria in copper mining operations
Author(s) -
Beck Jay V.
Publication year - 1967
Publication title -
biotechnology and bioengineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.136
H-Index - 189
eISSN - 1097-0290
pISSN - 0006-3592
DOI - 10.1002/bit.260090405
Subject(s) - leaching (pedology) , bacteria , copper , sulfide , ferric , copper ore , environmental chemistry , chemistry , environmental science , mining engineering , pulp and paper industry , geology , inorganic chemistry , soil science , engineering , organic chemistry , soil water , paleontology
The results of our survey of several mining operations have shown in every instance typical T. ferrooxidans bacteria to be present in the leaching solutions. The numbers of bacteria found are in general what, one would expect considering the chemical reactions occurring in these processes. A major difficulty is encountered when one considers the complex and unknown series of events which occur, as the bacteria‐bearing, acidic, ferric‐ion solution penetrates the massive ore dumps. Laboratory studies show microbial activity to be the major cause of rapid solubilization of copper sulfide ores. Field studies suggest that microbial activity cannot explain all observations in a typical leaching operation.