Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc

Zambrano Johanna; Zambrano Johnny

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc

Zambrano Johanna, Zambrano Johnny

Published in International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy (Volume 6, Issue 4)

Received: 20 October 2021 Accepted: 11 November 2021 Published: 17 November 2021

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Abstract

In Ecuador, large gold deposits were discovered in the areas of Nambija and Ponce Enríquez, but they contain metal sulfides that, when exposed to the action of air and water, intervene in a series of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfates occurs by the catalytic action of bacteria, in addition to the production of sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals such as iron, copper and zinc; a process known as bioleaching. These solutions, with a high level of acidity, are carried away by water currents or runoff, becoming a great contaminant of water and soil of the surrounding sector. Acid mine drains are one of the main problems of environmental pollution; the mining deposits are located in areas of great biodiversity. In these areas there are births of water used for human consumption, agriculture and mining work; the mismanagement of tailings, tailings and sands that are discharged into rivers and streams generate serious environmental damage. The objective of the work is to use selective precipitation to recover iron, copper and zinc from acid solutions produced by bioleaching during the extraction of precious metals at the laboratory level and from acid drainage of natural mine, to comply with environmental regulations regarding the discharge of effluents and reduce the effect of environmental pollution produced by acid mine drains. This investigation presents the conditions for a successful individual recovery of the main base metals contained in a bioleaching solution with high copper, zinc, and iron concentrations by pH-based selective precipitation. Tests were made with standard solutions of known concentrations of copper, iron, lead, and zinc and by titration the concentrations were checked, which allowed to validate the volumetric titration method. The selective precipitation of heavy metals was carried out in three phases using real acid main drainage and bioleaching solutions generated at the laboratory. The first phase in a pH range of 2 to 4 to recover iron; the second phase in a pH range of 4 to 6 to recover copper; and the third phase in a pH range of 6 to 10 to recover zinc. The selective precipitation allowed the heavy metals to be completely removed from the solution or to achieve concentrations below the maximum allowable limit to be discharged to a body of water or public sewer. Validation of SOLBIO 2 and Orenas bioleaching solutions was performed.

Published in	International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy (Volume 6, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
Page(s)	73-78
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Bioleaching, Selective Recovery, Effluent Treatment

References

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[5]	Ley de Minería, Nº 45, 2009. Registro Oficial Suplemento 517. Quito, Ecuador. 29 de enero de 2009.
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[7]	Córdoba E. M., Muñoz J. A., Blázquez M. L., González F., Ballester A., 2008. Leaching of chalcopyrite with ferric ions. Part II: effect of redox potential. Hydrometallurgy, 93, pp. 88–96.
[8]	LIFE-ETAD Project, 2016. Acid mine Drainage (AMD) in LIFE-ETAD Project, Ecological Treatment of Acid Drainge. Access: http://www.life-etad.com/index.php/es/drenajes-acidos-de-minas-amd.
[9]	FUNSAD, Fundación Salud Ambiente y Desarrollo, 2007. Impactos en el ambiente y la salud por la minería del oro a pequeña escala en el Ecuador (segunda fase): informe final.
[10]	Villas Boas R., Sánchez M., 2006. Clean Technologies for the mining industry. CYTED: Rio de Janeiro, pp. 78-80.
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[12]	Langová S., Matýsek D., 2010. Cinc recovery from steel-making wastes by acid pressure leaching and hematite precipitation, Hydrometallurgy, pp. 171–173.
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[16]	Álvarez M. A., 2008. La minería verde, El Salvador en relación al Mundo, Recuperado el 22 de Mayo de 2020, de Cómo se procesan los minerales?: http://www.miportal.edu.sv/sitios/operacionred2008/OR08012897/html/minerales.html.
[17]	Marsden J., House I., 1993. The chemistry of gold extraction, Ellis Horwood: New York, pp. 50-67.
[18]	Ballester A., 1997. Principios de la biolixiviación bacteriana y aplicaniones, Memorias del curso teórico práctico de Biometalurgia, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica: Quito, pp. 8-10.
[19]	Sepúlveda V., Velasco T., De la Rosa P., 2005. Suelos contaminados por metales y metaloides: muestreo y alternativas para su remmediación, Instituto Nacional de Ecología: México, pp. 99-101.
[20]	Ozkaya B., Sahinkaya E., Nurmi P., Kaksonen, A., Puhakka J., 2007. Iron oxidation and precipitation in a simulated heap leaching solution in a Leptospirillum ferriphilum dominated biofilm reactor, Hydrometallurgy, pp. 67-74.
[21]	Nurmi P., Özkaya B., Sasaki K., Kaksonen A. H., et al., 2009. Biooxidation and precipitation for iron and sulfate removal from heap bioleaching effluent streams, Hydrometallurgy, pp. 7-14.
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APA Style

Zambrano Johanna, Zambrano Johnny. (2021). Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 6(4), 73-78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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ACS Style

Zambrano Johanna; Zambrano Johnny. Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. Int. J. Miner. Process. Extr. Metall. 2021, 6(4), 73-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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AMA Style

Zambrano Johanna, Zambrano Johnny. Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. Int J Miner Process Extr Metall. 2021;6(4):73-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11,
  author = {Zambrano Johanna and Zambrano Johnny},
  title = {Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc},
  journal = {International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy},
  volume = {6},
  number = {4},
  pages = {73-78},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  abstract = {In Ecuador, large gold deposits were discovered in the areas of Nambija and Ponce Enríquez, but they contain metal sulfides that, when exposed to the action of air and water, intervene in a series of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfates occurs by the catalytic action of bacteria, in addition to the production of sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals such as iron, copper and zinc; a process known as bioleaching. These solutions, with a high level of acidity, are carried away by water currents or runoff, becoming a great contaminant of water and soil of the surrounding sector. Acid mine drains are one of the main problems of environmental pollution; the mining deposits are located in areas of great biodiversity. In these areas there are births of water used for human consumption, agriculture and mining work; the mismanagement of tailings, tailings and sands that are discharged into rivers and streams generate serious environmental damage. The objective of the work is to use selective precipitation to recover iron, copper and zinc from acid solutions produced by bioleaching during the extraction of precious metals at the laboratory level and from acid drainage of natural mine, to comply with environmental regulations regarding the discharge of effluents and reduce the effect of environmental pollution produced by acid mine drains. This investigation presents the conditions for a successful individual recovery of the main base metals contained in a bioleaching solution with high copper, zinc, and iron concentrations by pH-based selective precipitation. Tests were made with standard solutions of known concentrations of copper, iron, lead, and zinc and by titration the concentrations were checked, which allowed to validate the volumetric titration method. The selective precipitation of heavy metals was carried out in three phases using real acid main drainage and bioleaching solutions generated at the laboratory. The first phase in a pH range of 2 to 4 to recover iron; the second phase in a pH range of 4 to 6 to recover copper; and the third phase in a pH range of 6 to 10 to recover zinc. The selective precipitation allowed the heavy metals to be completely removed from the solution or to achieve concentrations below the maximum allowable limit to be discharged to a body of water or public sewer. Validation of SOLBIO 2 and Orenas bioleaching solutions was performed.},
 year = {2021}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc
AU  - Zambrano Johanna
AU  - Zambrano Johnny
Y1  - 2021/11/17
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
T2  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JF  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JO  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
SP  - 73
EP  - 78
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1859
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
AB  - In Ecuador, large gold deposits were discovered in the areas of Nambija and Ponce Enríquez, but they contain metal sulfides that, when exposed to the action of air and water, intervene in a series of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfates occurs by the catalytic action of bacteria, in addition to the production of sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals such as iron, copper and zinc; a process known as bioleaching. These solutions, with a high level of acidity, are carried away by water currents or runoff, becoming a great contaminant of water and soil of the surrounding sector. Acid mine drains are one of the main problems of environmental pollution; the mining deposits are located in areas of great biodiversity. In these areas there are births of water used for human consumption, agriculture and mining work; the mismanagement of tailings, tailings and sands that are discharged into rivers and streams generate serious environmental damage. The objective of the work is to use selective precipitation to recover iron, copper and zinc from acid solutions produced by bioleaching during the extraction of precious metals at the laboratory level and from acid drainage of natural mine, to comply with environmental regulations regarding the discharge of effluents and reduce the effect of environmental pollution produced by acid mine drains. This investigation presents the conditions for a successful individual recovery of the main base metals contained in a bioleaching solution with high copper, zinc, and iron concentrations by pH-based selective precipitation. Tests were made with standard solutions of known concentrations of copper, iron, lead, and zinc and by titration the concentrations were checked, which allowed to validate the volumetric titration method. The selective precipitation of heavy metals was carried out in three phases using real acid main drainage and bioleaching solutions generated at the laboratory. The first phase in a pH range of 2 to 4 to recover iron; the second phase in a pH range of 4 to 6 to recover copper; and the third phase in a pH range of 6 to 10 to recover zinc. The selective precipitation allowed the heavy metals to be completely removed from the solution or to achieve concentrations below the maximum allowable limit to be discharged to a body of water or public sewer. Validation of SOLBIO 2 and Orenas bioleaching solutions was performed.
VL  - 6
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Zambrano Johanna

Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
Zambrano Johnny

Department of Petroleum, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

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APA Style

Zambrano Johanna, Zambrano Johnny. (2021). Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 6(4), 73-78. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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ACS Style

Zambrano Johanna; Zambrano Johnny. Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. Int. J. Miner. Process. Extr. Metall. 2021, 6(4), 73-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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AMA Style

Zambrano Johanna, Zambrano Johnny. Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc. Int J Miner Process Extr Metall. 2021;6(4):73-78. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11,
  author = {Zambrano Johanna and Zambrano Johnny},
  title = {Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc},
  journal = {International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy},
  volume = {6},
  number = {4},
  pages = {73-78},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmpem.20210604.11},
  abstract = {In Ecuador, large gold deposits were discovered in the areas of Nambija and Ponce Enríquez, but they contain metal sulfides that, when exposed to the action of air and water, intervene in a series of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfates occurs by the catalytic action of bacteria, in addition to the production of sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals such as iron, copper and zinc; a process known as bioleaching. These solutions, with a high level of acidity, are carried away by water currents or runoff, becoming a great contaminant of water and soil of the surrounding sector. Acid mine drains are one of the main problems of environmental pollution; the mining deposits are located in areas of great biodiversity. In these areas there are births of water used for human consumption, agriculture and mining work; the mismanagement of tailings, tailings and sands that are discharged into rivers and streams generate serious environmental damage. The objective of the work is to use selective precipitation to recover iron, copper and zinc from acid solutions produced by bioleaching during the extraction of precious metals at the laboratory level and from acid drainage of natural mine, to comply with environmental regulations regarding the discharge of effluents and reduce the effect of environmental pollution produced by acid mine drains. This investigation presents the conditions for a successful individual recovery of the main base metals contained in a bioleaching solution with high copper, zinc, and iron concentrations by pH-based selective precipitation. Tests were made with standard solutions of known concentrations of copper, iron, lead, and zinc and by titration the concentrations were checked, which allowed to validate the volumetric titration method. The selective precipitation of heavy metals was carried out in three phases using real acid main drainage and bioleaching solutions generated at the laboratory. The first phase in a pH range of 2 to 4 to recover iron; the second phase in a pH range of 4 to 6 to recover copper; and the third phase in a pH range of 6 to 10 to recover zinc. The selective precipitation allowed the heavy metals to be completely removed from the solution or to achieve concentrations below the maximum allowable limit to be discharged to a body of water or public sewer. Validation of SOLBIO 2 and Orenas bioleaching solutions was performed.},
 year = {2021}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Bioleaching: Validation of the Extraction of Precious Metals Through Selective Recovery of Iron, Copper and Zinc
AU  - Zambrano Johanna
AU  - Zambrano Johnny
Y1  - 2021/11/17
PY  - 2021
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
T2  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JF  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JO  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
SP  - 73
EP  - 78
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1859
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20210604.11
AB  - In Ecuador, large gold deposits were discovered in the areas of Nambija and Ponce Enríquez, but they contain metal sulfides that, when exposed to the action of air and water, intervene in a series of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. The oxidation of sulfides to sulfates occurs by the catalytic action of bacteria, in addition to the production of sulfuric acid that dissolves heavy metals such as iron, copper and zinc; a process known as bioleaching. These solutions, with a high level of acidity, are carried away by water currents or runoff, becoming a great contaminant of water and soil of the surrounding sector. Acid mine drains are one of the main problems of environmental pollution; the mining deposits are located in areas of great biodiversity. In these areas there are births of water used for human consumption, agriculture and mining work; the mismanagement of tailings, tailings and sands that are discharged into rivers and streams generate serious environmental damage. The objective of the work is to use selective precipitation to recover iron, copper and zinc from acid solutions produced by bioleaching during the extraction of precious metals at the laboratory level and from acid drainage of natural mine, to comply with environmental regulations regarding the discharge of effluents and reduce the effect of environmental pollution produced by acid mine drains. This investigation presents the conditions for a successful individual recovery of the main base metals contained in a bioleaching solution with high copper, zinc, and iron concentrations by pH-based selective precipitation. Tests were made with standard solutions of known concentrations of copper, iron, lead, and zinc and by titration the concentrations were checked, which allowed to validate the volumetric titration method. The selective precipitation of heavy metals was carried out in three phases using real acid main drainage and bioleaching solutions generated at the laboratory. The first phase in a pH range of 2 to 4 to recover iron; the second phase in a pH range of 4 to 6 to recover copper; and the third phase in a pH range of 6 to 10 to recover zinc. The selective precipitation allowed the heavy metals to be completely removed from the solution or to achieve concentrations below the maximum allowable limit to be discharged to a body of water or public sewer. Validation of SOLBIO 2 and Orenas bioleaching solutions was performed.
VL  - 6
IS  - 4
ER  -

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