PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING SULPHIDE MINERAL PRODUCTS USING BACTERIA FOR EXTRACTION OF METALS Russian patent published in 2011 - IPC C22B3/08 C22B19/00 C22B11/00 C22B3/18 

FIELD: metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: procedure for processing sulphide mineral products using bacteria for extraction of metals consists in vat leaching crumbled sulphide mineral products in not less, than two serially connected vats and in mixing with solution of sulphuric acid at value of pH below 1.8, contents of solid phase 10-60%, concentration of ions of trivalent iron over 3 g/l, and temperature 50-99°C. Pulp is withdrawn from the last vat, is divided into solid and liquid phases and solid phase is returned to leaching into the first vat. Bacterial oxidation of iron in a liquid phase is performed in a separate reactor at value of pH 1.4-2.2, and temperature to 90°C with aeration and with addition of elements for bacteria feeding. Upon iron oxidation liquid phase is returned to the leaching vats. Metals are extracted from leaching phases.

EFFECT: increased extraction of metals and rate of process.

11 cl, 1 dwg, 2 ex