Scientific and Research Geotechnological Center of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FSBIS SRGC FEB RAS), Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia

V. E. Averyanova, Postgraduate Student, Junior Researcher, e-mail: purlac@inbox.ru
S. O. Ocheretyana, Senior Researcher, Candidate of Biological Sciences, e-mail: blossom-so@yandex.ru

As reserves of high-quality ores decrease, conventional approaches to metal extraction, such as pyrometallurgy, have become less economically and practically feasible. In this regard, new technological processes, such as bacterial and chemical leaching, are under study to process low-quality minerals. Bacterial and chemical leaching is a technology kept evolving and efficiently used to extract copper from secondary sulfide minerals. However, some minerals, including chalcopyrite, are characterized by increased resistance to the bio-treatment process. This review examines ways to increase the efficiency of bacterial and chemical leaching of chalcopyrite, which include the use of thermophilic acidophilic chemolithotrophic microorganisms, bioleaching with mixed cultures, the use of surfactants, various catalyzing components, crushing and abrasion, additional aeration, as well as the effects of ultrasound and microwave. Most of the described methods for improving kinetics of bioleaching have proved successful; however, there are factors limiting their use. So, the use of chlorine-, iodine-containing substances and L-cysteine may have a subtle catalytic effect in the process of bioleaching, but will require a high concentration of the introduced components. Surfactants in small doses can significantly increase the rate and efficiency of the sulfide dissolution during bacterial and chemical leaching. The use of silver ions is the most efficient way to catalyze the biooxidation of chalcopyrite by moderate thermophilic microorganisms. Research shows that physical methods of improving kinetics are effective, but there are not enough publications on this topic yet.

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