Promotion effect of mechanical activation on the role of pyrite in chalcopyrite bioleaching

Abstract

Mechanical activation (MA) is a significant pretreatment technique for enhancing the dissolution of mineral; however, its promotion effect on the role of pyrite during chalcopyrite bioleaching has not been elucidated up to now. In this study, the effect of MA on the role of pyrite on chalcopyrite bioleaching mediated by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution analysis, and electrochemical measurement. The results showed MA could significantly reduce the minerals particle size, and increase the specific surface area and surface energy of minerals. For example, the d₅₀ of chalcopyrite reduced from 13.40 to 0.31 µm after MA. The copper extraction of mixed MA-chalcopyrite and MA-pyrite system was 63.5%, which exhibited a 51.9% enhancement compared to the non-activated mixed system. Electrochemical experiments identified that the strengthening effect of pyrite on chalcopyrite dissolution was negligible before MA. After MA, the dissolution mechanism of chalcopyrite was not changed, and pyrite could not only provide additional oxidants (acids and iron) but also act as the cathode in the galvanic couple. In this case, the bioleaching of chalcopyrite was accelerated. Therefore, a model of the promotion effect of mechanical activation on the role of pyrite on chalcopyrite bioleaching was proposed.

Keywords

chalcopyrite / bioleaching / acidophilic microorganisms / mechanical activation / electrochemical dissolution

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