Microbial mutualism in ore leaching

Fungal Leaching of Manganese Ore

Bioleaching is technologically feasible for extraction of manganese from low grade ores (containing manganese less than 35% by weight). The principle involves the non-enzymatic reduction of pyrolusite [Mn(IV) oxides] to +2 oxidation state by fungi with the production of metabolites such as oxalic acid and citric acid. In the present investigation, a fungal strain, Penicillium citrinum was isola...

Investigation of Chemical and Microbial Leaching of Iron ore in Sulphuric acid

Investigations on the chemical and microbial leaching of a Nigerian Iron-ore in sulphuric acid have been carried out. The influence of physico-chemical parameters such as acid concentration, temperature, particle size and stirring speed on the chemical dissolution of the ore was investigated. The dissolution rates are significantly influenced by the temperature and acid concentration while the ...

Investigation of Leaching Kinetics of Smithsonite Ore

The leaching kinetics of smithsonite ore in acetic acid solutions, an environmental friend, and natural reagent was investigated. The influence of parameters such as reaction temperature, particle size, solid-liquid ratio and acid concentration was studied in order to reveal the leaching kinetics of smithsonite ore. In this study, experimental and statistical methods were carried out in order t...

Quantitative Leaching of a Nigerian Iron Ore in Hydrochloric Acid

A study on the quantitative leaching of iron ore in hydrochloric acid solution has been undertaken. The elemental composition of the iron ore was also carried out using ICP-MS technique. The major elements in the iron ore include: Fe(66.7%); Al (0.2%); Si (5.2%); Ti (0.02%) and O (28.0%). Some traces of V, Ni, Zn, Ce, Cr, La, Y and Zr were also found. The effects of contact time, acid concentra...

8 Microbial Leaching of Metals