Patent · US Expired

Enhancement of bioleach systems using nutrient additives

US5413624A · kind A · utility

8Cited by
6References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 14, 1994
Grant dateMay 9, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 14, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S423/17
  • WIPO fieldBiotechnology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Materials and methods for the enhancement of the biooxidative acid leaching of heavy metals from sulfide ore are disclosed and claimed. The enhancement of bioleach solutions with a nutrient supplement selective for a particular sulfide oxidizing strain of bacteria significantly increases copper solubilization of chalcopyrite ore. Likewise, copper solubilization is enhanced by enriching bioleach solutions with a non-selective growth mediums.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.