Identification and Metabolism of Naturally Prevailing Microorganisms in Zinc and Copper Mineral Processing

It has only recently been discovered that naturally prevailing microorganisms have a notable role in flotation in addition to chemical process parameters and overall water quality. This study’s aim was to assess the prevailing microbial communities in relation to process chemistry in a zinc and copper mineral flotation plant. Due to the limitations of cultivation-based microbial methods that detect only a fraction of the total microbial diversity, DNA-based methods were utilised. However, it was discovered that the DNA extraction methods need to be improved for these environments with high mineral particle content. Microbial communities and metabolism were studied with quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing of bacterial, archaeal and fungal marker genes and shotgun sequencing. Bacteria dominated the microbial communities, but in addition, both archaea and fungi were present. The predominant bacterial metabolism included versatile sulfur compound oxidation. Putative Thiovirga sp. dominated in the zinc plant and the water circuit samples, whereas Thiobacillus spp. dominated the copper plant. Halothiobacillus spp. were also an apparent part of the community in all samples. Nitrogen metabolism was more related to assimilatory than dissimilatory nitrate and nitrite oxidation/reduction reactions. Abundance of heavy metal resistance genes emphasized the adaptation and competitive edge of the core microbiome in these extreme conditions compared to microorganisms freshly entering the process.

Reducing-Effect of Chloride for the Dissolution of Black Copper

Oxidized black copper ores are known for their difficulty in dissolving their components of interest through conventional methods. This is due to its non-crystalline and amorphous structure. Among these minerals, copper pitch and copper wad are of great interest because of their considerable concentrations of copper and manganese. Currently, these minerals are not incorporated into the extraction circuits or left untreated, whether in stock, leach pads, or waste. For the recovery of its main elements of interest (Cu and Mn), it is necessary to use reducing agents that dissolve the present MnO2, while allowing the recovery of Cu. In this research, the results for the dissolution of Mn and Cu from a black copper mineral are exposed, evaluating the reducing effect of NaCl for MnO2 through pre-treatment of agglomerate and curing, and subsequently leaching in standard condition with the use of a reducing agent (Fe2+). High concentrations of chloride in the agglomerate process and prolonged curing times would favor the reduction of MnO2, increasing the dissolution of Mn, while the addition of NaCl did not benefit Cu extractions. Under standard conditions, low Mn extractions were obtained, while in an acid-reducing medium, a significant dissolution of MnO2 was achieved, which supports the removal of Cu.

Direct extraction of copper from copper sulfide minerals using deep eutectic solvents

Copper can be extracted from the main copper mineral, chalcopyrite, without the formation of hydrogen sulfide or sulfur dioxide.