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

Chandraprabha, MN and Natarajan, KA and Somasundaran, P (2005) Selective separation of pyrite from chalcopyrite and arsenopyrite by biomodulation using Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. In: International Journal of Mineral Processing, 75 (1-2). pp. 113-122.

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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:	Journal Article
Publication:	International Journal of Mineral Processing
Publisher:	Elsevier
Additional Information:	The copyright of this article belongs to Elsevier.
Keywords:	Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans;pyrite;chalcopyrite;arsenopyrite; biomodulation;selective flotation
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	22 Mar 2006
Last Modified:	19 Sep 2010 04:24
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/5877

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