Microbially-induced separation of chalcopyrite and galena

Cells of Paenibacillus polymyxa and their metabolic products such as bioproteins and exopolysaccharides could be effectively used in the separation of galena from chalcopyrite. While interaction with bacterial cells resulted in significant flocculation of both chalcopyrite and galena, treatment with bioproteins selectively flocculated only chalcopyrite, dispersing galena. Microbially-induced selective flocculation after conditioning with cells, bioproteins or exopolysaccharides resulted in efficient separation of chalcopyrite and galena from their mixtures. Prior interaction with bioproteins facilitated enhanced flotation of galena from chalcopyrite. The role of bacterial cells and bioreagents such as proteins and polysaccharides in mineral beneficiation is demonstrated.