Chinese Journal of Applied Chemistry ›› 1997, Vol. 0 ›› Issue (5): 55-58.

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Catalysis of Metal Ions in Bacterial Leaching of Metal Sulphide Minerals

Wang Mohui, Tang Longhua, Wang Jun, Miao Hui, Cheng Changrong   

  1. Department of Applied Chemistry, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059
  • Received:1996-12-20 Revised:1997-06-19 Published:1997-10-10 Online:1997-10-10

Abstract: The catalysis of metal ions has been studied in bacterial leaching with Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in extraction of copper and nickel from complex low grade Cu and Ni sulphide minerals. Some metal ions(Ag+, Hg2+, Co2+, Bi3+)promote the leaching rate significantly. The order of the catalytical ability of metal ions studied in leaching copper was: Ag+Co2+ >Bi3+ >Hg2+ and in leaching nikel was: Bi3+ >Ag+>Co2+ >Hg2+. The property and concentration of metal ions, and the size of the minerals showed influences on the catalytical ability of metal ions.

Key words: sulphide mineral, bacterial leaching, copper, nickel, metal ion, catalytical effect