A novel and highly efficient system for chalcopyrite bioleaching by mixed strains of Acidithiobacillus

An integrated bioleaching system (stable pH–silver ion–chloride ion) was firstly proposed to for improving the efficiency of chalcopyrite bioleaching by mixed strains of Acidithiobacillus. The individual effects of stable pH, silver ion, and chloride ion on bioleaching were respectively studied. The highest copper ion concentrations in each system were 45.8, 50.2, and 45.2 mg/l, respectively, when it was only 28.0 mg/l the blank system. Compared with the individual stable pH, silver or chloride ion systems, the relevance of biological and chemical reactions achieved a better balance in the integrated system (stable pH 1.3, 2.0 mg/l silver ion, and 2.5 g/l chloride ion). Moreover, the highest ferrous and sulfate ion concentrations implied less production of S0 membrane and jarosite precipitation. It was also demonstrated by the highest copper ion concentration 55.5 mg/l. These results all indicated that this system was a novel and believable strategy for effectively operating chalcopyrite bioleaching.