Biomining [Hardcover]

Biomining uses microorganisms to recover metals, in particular copper and gold, from ores and concentrates. This book takes a strong applied approach to the study of biomining. It describes emerging and established industrial processes, as well as the underlying theory of the process, along with the biology of the microorganisms involved. Chapters have been contributed by experts from leading biomining companies, consultants and internationally recognized researchers and academics.

Biomining is the biotechnology that uses microorganisms to recover metals, in particular copper and gold, from ores and concentrates. Having developed from a very simple operational (in terms of both engineering and biology) process, biomining has developed into a multifaceted technology, to the extent that many of the largest industrial stirred tanks and heaps throughout the world are employed for bioprocessing minerals.

This book has a strong applied approach and describes emerging and established industrial processes, as well as the underlying theory of the process, and the biology of the microorganisms involved. Chapters have been written by personnel from leading biomining companies, consultants and internationally recognized researchers and academics.

The BIOX Process for the Treatment of Refractory Gold Concentrates.- Bioleaching of a Cobalt-Containing Pyrite in Stirred Reactors: a Case Study from Laboratory Scale to Industrial Application.- Commercial Applications of Thermophile Bioleaching.- A Review of the Development and Current Status of Copper Bioleaching Operations in Chile: 25 Years of Successful Commercial Implementation.- The GeoBiotics GEOCOAT? Technology  Progress and Challenges.- Whole-Ore Heap Biooxidation of Sulfidic Gold-Bearing Ores.- Heap Leaching of Black Schist.- Modeling and Optimization of Heap Bioleach Processes.- Relevance of Cell Physiology and Genetic Adaptability of Biomining Microorganisms to IndustlS'