Selective separation of pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite by biomodulation using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Chandraprabha, M. N. ; Natarajan, K. A. ; Somasundaran, P. (2005) Selective separation of pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite by biomodulation using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans International Journal of Mineral Processing, 75 (1-2). pp. 113-122. ISSN 0301-7516

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Official URL: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S03017...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2004.08.014

Abstract

This paper discusses the selective depression of pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite by biomodulation using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans under natural conditions of pH. The effect of bacteria-mineral interaction on the surface charge of mineral and bacterial cell was studied by microelectrophoresis. Adhesion experiments were conducted to establish the relationship between cell adhesion to specific minerals and the electrokinetic behaviour of the minerals subsequent to interaction with cells. Effect of bacterial interaction on the xanthate-induced flotation of all the minerals was assessed. Adhesion of A. ferrooxidans on pyrite was rapid and tenacious and subsequent to interaction with cells, pyrite remained hydrophilic even in presence of xanthate collector. The collector, on the other hand, was able to render good flotability to chalcopyrite even after interaction with bacterial cells. Copper activated arsenopyrite was able to retain its hydrophobicity in presence of cells due to poor attachment kinetics of cells to the mineral surface. Thus, by suitably conditioning with the cells and collector, it was possible to effectively depress pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier Science.
Keywords:Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans; Pyrite; Chalcopyrite; Arsenopyrite; Biomodulation; Selective Flotation
ID Code:24440
Deposited On:29 Nov 2010 08:54
Last Modified:08 Jun 2011 09:03

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