Continuous Bioleaching of a Polymetallic Black Shale Concentrate Using the Stirred Tank Technology
In the frame of Bioshale FP6 project, the bioprocessing of a polymetallic and polymineral concentrate produced in an industrial operation in Lubin, Poland, was assessed. Following successful batch culture tests, processing in continuous conditions was tested to determine the main specifications for the application of the stirred-tank technology to this sulphide concentrate from black shale ores.The experimental work was carded out in a laboratory-scale unit consisting of 3 stirred tanks (50L or 20L) using an acidophilic and moderate thermophilic bacterial population. Different configurations of the unit and key operating parameters were tested (nutrient medium composition, solids concentration, rates of agitation and aeration). Scientific and technical approaches, such as bacterial community structure and mineralogical analysis were implemented in order to better understand the chemical and biochemical reactions occurring in the system. Using the data produced during the continuous operation, downstream processing assessment for both copper and silver recovery was also carded out.The best copper recovery obtained in the continuous operation was 92% and a hot brine leaching of the bioleach residue (PLINT process) allowed to recover 92% of the silver. A preliminary techno-economic evaluation of Lubin concentrate bioprocessing including bioleaching, copper and silver recoveries demonstrated the potential economic feasibility. Recovery of silver plays an important role in the economy of the process. This study presents promising values to further investigate this bioprocessing option.
Bioleaching Black shale Copper Silver Stirred-tank reactor
P. Spolaore C. Joulian D. Morin P. dHugues J. Gouin T. Augé F. Sánchez
BRGM, EPI/ECO,France BRGM, REM/MESY, France Tecnicas Réunidas, Hydrometallurgy & Electrochemistry, Madrid, Spain
国际会议
XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress(第24届国际矿物加工大会)
北京
英文
2576-2584
2008-09-24（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）