Bacterial leaching processes as applied to the mining industry are gaining increasing interest. In bacterial leaching, the metals are solubilised through a series of biological and chemical oxidations of compounds containing sulfur and then extracted from ores by microorganisms.Recently, bacterial leaching and biooxidation are commercially used in copper and gold processing that are carried on using crushed ore heaps and agitated tank reactors. The importance of naturally occurring bacteria in heap leaching has only recently been recognised.

The main advantages of bacterial leaching include low capital and operating costs, simple, low energy requirement, and environmentaly friendly. The environmental aspects are driving the change to bacterial leaching with pyro processing no longer acceptable.

Mixed cultures of bacteria are more efficient in oxidising sulfide minerals than corresponding pure cultures. Biologically assisted leaching will be subject to evolving development in the future. Companies such as BacTech, Pacific Ore Technologies, Geocoat, Geoleach and BioCOP are producing excellent results for various mining companies.

Participants will learn about the advantages of bacteria and its application in leaching ores and concentrates. More- over, the course will ensure that participants gain sufficient understanding of various bioleaching methods and current technologies used in industrial bioleaching plants. Participants are provided with comprehensive course notes on CD covering the basic theoretical and practical aspects of bacterial leaching. This will serve as a valuable resource for later reference.

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