Review article

Exploring the application of acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for the beneficiation of platinum group metals-bearing base metal sulphides

N. G. Zulu ; Department of Metallurgy, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa *
M. J. Mvita ; Department of Metallurgy, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
B. Thethwayo ; Department of Metallurgy, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
M. Madiba ; Department of Metallurgy, School of Mining, Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Biotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative to existing minerals processing methods, offering potential advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. One area where microorganisms have shown significant promise is in the leaching of metals from medium and low-grade sulphide minerals thanks to the metabolites they produce. Extensive research has been conducted on the utilization of microorganisms for mineral beneficiation, with a specific focus on Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the application of A. ferrooxidans in bio-oxidation and biohydrometallurgy, highlighting its potential to replace inorganic reagents in the flotation of precious metals (PGMs) that are associated with sulphide ores.
Keywords:

Keywords

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans; Biotechnology; sulphides; economically

Hrčak ID:

319877

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/319877

Publication date:

1.1.2025.

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