1. Welcome

2. Biomineral Processing
L.B.Sukla
Institute for Applied Environmental Biotechnology Innovation (IAEBI),
Bhubaneswar-751016

3. Biomineral processing
comprises of
biomining,
bioleaching,
biobeneficiation and bioremediation.
It involves microbiology, metallurgy and engineering disciplines.

4. The main advantages of bacterial leaching of copper and other
heavy metals as compared with pyrometallurgy lie in its
 relative simplicity,
 mild operation conditions,
 low capital costs,
 low energy input,
 friendliness towards the environment

5. Important Parameters
 Thermodynamic features
 Electro-chemical interrelations in ores and concentrates
 On the medium characteristics:
pH, Temperature, Concentration of O2 and CO2, mineral particle
size, pulp density
 Bacteria concentration and activity

6. Biohydrometallurgical
Extraction of Metals
In-situ, Dump, Heap Leaching
Techniques
 Processing of copper, uranium, and gold ore in industrial scale
 15% Cu, 13% U, 25% Au are being produced world-wide through
bioleaching route

7. Flowsheet
Bioleaching
Solid/Liquid Separation
Leach Liquor
Metal Extraction
(Solvent Extraction and
Electrowinning)
Ores/ Concentrates/Wastes
Metal
Residue
Microorganism
Media

8. R&D Areas…
• Microbiological study:
Study and development of different strains; bacterial
and leaching mechanisms; Enhancement of kinetics;
Genetic engineering.
• Process Development:
Sulphide leaching, Non sulphide leaching, Applications
for Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, other base metals and Coal.

9. R&D Areas…
• Process Modelling
• Biosorption
• Bioremediation
• Bioaccumulation
• Biobeneficiation

10. R&D Areas…
• Reactor Design & Engineering
• Downstream processing of leach liquor
• Effluent and waste treatment

11. Future Directions
• Bio-leaching of lateritic nickel ore and
chromite overburden
• Beneficiation of Bauxite
• Treatment of waste and effluent waters
from metallurgical industries.
• Treatment of mine waste and effluent.
• Bio-leaching of low grade & complex
sulphide ores.
• Bioleaching of low grade Uranium ore.

12. Future Directions
Isolation and development of native
microorganisms
Understanding bacterial mechanism and
enhancing the kinetics including genetic
engineering solutions
Designing of efficient, environment friendly
processes: process modeling and reactor
engineering & heap design.
Technology proving and demonstration plant

13. Future Directions
Beneficiation of high alumina iron ore
Dephosphorisation of Manganese and
Iron ore
Beneficiation of high ash and sulphur coal
Production of high purity carbon
Leaching of dolomite, magnesite,lime stone
and China clay
Bio-leaching of zinc tailings

14. Conclusions
• Bio-mineral processing technology promises eco-friendly
alternatives for economic exploitation of low grade,
complex, refractory ores and concentrates
• Avoids roasting, smelting and other pyro-metallurgical
techniques with associated release of toxic gases
• Less energy-intensive
• Utilizes & remediates waste

15. Zero or negligible discharge (effluent can be recycled)
Less technical sophistication
Site specific for biomining
Use of native microorganisms
Conclusions...