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AP500A - A nutrient for the leaching of metal values from an ore - Google Patents

A nutrient for the leaching of metal values from an ore Download PDF

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Publication number
AP500A
AP500A APAP/P/1994/000668A AP9400668A AP500A AP 500 A AP500 A AP 500A AP 9400668 A AP9400668 A AP 9400668A AP 500 A AP500 A AP 500A
Authority
AP
ARIPO
Prior art keywords
mass
parts
potassium
nitrogen
phosphorus
Prior art date
Application number
APAP/P/1994/000668A
Other versions
AP9400668A0 (en
Inventor
Andrew Fawcett Pennington
Cornelius Johannes Welgemoed
Original Assignee
Polifin Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Polifin Ltd filed Critical Polifin Ltd
Publication of AP9400668A0 publication Critical patent/AP9400668A0/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AP500A publication Critical patent/AP500A/en

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Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22BPRODUCTION AND REFINING OF METALS; PRETREATMENT OF RAW MATERIALS
    • C22B3/00Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
    • C22B3/18Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes with the aid of microorganisms or enzymes, e.g. bacteria or algae
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02PCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P10/00Technologies related to metal processing
    • Y02P10/20Recycling

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
  • Fodder In General (AREA)
  • Fertilizers (AREA)

Abstract

A nutrient composition in dried form for supporting the growth

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a nutrient composition for supporting the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans in a process for the leaching of metal values from an ore or the like containing the metal values.
It is well known that the leaching of metal values, particularly gold values, from an ore or the like containing the metal values, may be facilitated by using a microorganism such as thiobacillus ferrooxidans. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans renders the ore or the like more amenable to leaching by various chemical constituents. In this process, it is necessary to provide the thiobacillus ferrooxidans or other microorganism with the nutrients needed for growth. Generally, these nutrients have been provided by adding into the process prior to the leaching tanks or the like various compounds and compositions, generally in solution, to provide the desired level of nutrients. There is a need for a simpler method of providing the thiobacillus ferrooxidans or other microorganism with the nutrients needed for growth.
AP/P/ 94/00668
ΑΡ ο η 5 ο Ο
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a nutrient composition in dry form for supporting the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans in a process for the leaching of metal values from an ore or the like containing the metal values which comprises:
a source of nitrogen providing 37 to 71 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per
100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
a source of phosphorus providing 9 to 21 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
a source of potassium providing 20 to 54 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per
100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
less than 2500 ppm by mass of chlorine and no other constituents which are toxic to thiobacillus ferrooxidans.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a process for the leaching of metal values from an ore or the like containing the metal values in the presence of thiobacillus ferrooxidans, using a nutrient composition as described above.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The invention provides a nutrient composition, in dry form, for supporting the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans in a process for the leaching of metal values, for example gold values, from an ore or the like, for example mineral tailings, containing the metal values. The composition must include:
a source of nitrogen providing 37 to 71 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 9 to 21 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 20 to 54 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
AP/P/ 9 4/ 0 0 6 68
Preferably, the composition comprises:
AP. 00500 a source of nitrogen providing 41 to 67 parts inclusive by mass, more preferably 49 to 59 parts inclusive by mass, most preferably about 54 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 11 to 19 parts inclusive by mass, more preferably 13 to 17 parts inclusive by mass, most preferably about 15 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 20 to 45 parts inclusive by mass, preferably 22 to 40 parts inclusive by mass, more preferably 28 to 34 parts inclusive by mass, most preferably about 31 parts by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Another preferred composition of the invention comprises a source of nitrogen providing about 43 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing about 12 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing about 45 parts by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
The composition must also contain less than 2500 ppm by mass of chlorine and no other constituents which are toxic to the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans.
The composition is preferably provided as a dry granular mix.
The composition preferably comprises:
Constituent (a) selected from the group consisting of monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4), diammonium phosphate (NH4)2HPO4) and superphosphate (a mixture of gypsum and calcium phosphate, monobasic);
Constituent (b) which is potassium sulphate; and
Constituent (c) selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulphate (NH4)2 SO4) and urea (CO/NH^.
AP/P/ 9 4 / 0 06 68
The composition preferably comprises a combination of monoammonium
Ar’ Γ n j θ q phosphate, potassium sulphate and ammonium sulphate.
An example of a specific composition of the invention will now be given.
Potassium sulphate 5,71 kg
Ammonium Sulphate 14,75 kg
Monoammonium phosphate 4,54 kg
25,00 kg
The above composition was used at the Fairview Mine in Barberton, South Africa as follows.
150 kg of the composition was mixed with 5m3 of water in a mixing tank. This solution was then bled continuously into the Biox process (which comprises leaching of gold values from an ore using thiobacillus ferrooxidans) to support the growth of the thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The solution as described above was made up for each 8 hour shift. Thus in one day’s operation (24 hours) 450 kg of the composition was used to treat 40 tons of continuously fed slurry concentrate through the Biox process.
Another specific example of the composition of the invention containing N:P:K in the weight ratio of 43:12:45 has found application in a similar process in Ghana.
The composition of the invention has the advantage that it provides thiobacillus ferrooxidans with the correct balance of nutrients to sustain growth optimally. Further, the composition of the invention is easy to manufacture, transport, store and use.

Claims (18)

  1. A nutrient composition in dry form for supporting the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans in a process for the leaching of metal values from an ore or the like containing the metal values comprises:
    a source of nitrogen providing 37 to 71 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 9 to 21 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of potassium providing 20 to 54 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per <o
    100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium;
    less than 2 500ppm by mass of chlorine and no other constituents which are toxic O to thiobacillus ferrooxidans. _
  2. 2.
    A composition according to claim 1 which comprises a source of potassium providing 20 to 45 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium
  3. 3.
    A composition according to claim 2 which comprises a source of nitrogen providing 41 to 67 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 11 to 19 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 22 to 40 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
    η 50 0
    ΑΡ η
  4. 4.
    A composition according to claim 3 which comprises a source of nitrogen providing 49 to 59 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 13 to 17 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 28 to 34 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  5. 5.
    A composition according to claim 4 which comprises a source of nitrogen providing about 54 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing about 15 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing about 31 parts by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  6. 6.
    A composition according to claim 1 which comprises a source of nitrogen providing about 43 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phospherus providing about 12 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing about 45 parts by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
    8 9 9 0 0 / V 6 /d/dV
  7. 7.
    A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which is a dry granular mix.
  8. 8.
    A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the composition comprises constituent (a) selected from the group consisting of monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate and superphosphate; constituent (b) which is potassium sulphate; and constituent (c) selected from the group consisting of
    AP fin 5 o q ammonium sulphate and urea.
  9. 9.
    A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7 which comprises a combination of monoammonium phosphate, potassium sulphate and ammonium sulphate.
  10. 10.
    A process for the leaching of metal values from an ore or the like containing the metal values in the presence of thiobacillus ferrooxidans, using a nutrient composition in dry form for supporting the growth of thiobacillus ferrooxidans, which composition comprises:
    a source of nitrogen providing 37 to 71 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 9 to 21 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of potassium providing 20 to 54 parts inclusive inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; less than 2 500ppm by mass of chlorine and no other constituents which are toxic to thiobacillus ferrooxidans.
    c
  11. 11·
    A process according to claim 10 wherein the composition comprises a source of potassium providing 20 to 45 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  12. 12.
    A process according to claim 11 wherein the composition comprises a source of nitrogen providing 41 to 67 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 11 to 19 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 22 to 40 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and
    AP/P/ 9 4 / 0 0 6 68
    ΑΡ Π η 5ο Ο potassium.
  13. 13.
    A process according to claim 12 wherein the composition comprises a source of nitrogen providing 49 to 59 parts inclusive by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing 13 to 17 parts inclusive by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing 28 to 34 parts inclusive by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  14. 14.
    A process according to claim 13 wherein the composition comprises a source of nitrogen providing about 54 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing about 15 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing about 31 parts by mass of potassium by 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
  15. 15.
    A process according to claim 10 wherein the composition comprises a source of nitrogen providing about 43 parts by mass of nitrogen per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; a source of phosphorus providing about 12 parts by mass of phosphorus per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; and a source of potassium providing about 45 parts by mass of potassium per 100 parts by mass of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
    AP/P/ 9 4/ 0 0 6 68
  16. 16.
    A process according to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the composition is a dry granular mix.
  17. 17.
    A process according to any one of claims 10 to 16 wherein the composition comprises constituent (a) selected from the group consisting of monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate and superphosphate; constituent (b) which is potassium sulphate; and constituent (c) which is selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulphate and urea.
  18. 18.
    A process according to claim 17 wherein the composition comprises a combination of monoammonium phosphate, potassium sulphate and ammonium sulphate.
APAP/P/1994/000668A 1993-08-20 1994-08-17 A nutrient for the leaching of metal values from an ore AP500A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA936123 1993-08-20

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
AP9400668A0 AP9400668A0 (en) 1994-10-31
AP500A true AP500A (en) 1996-06-05

Family

ID=25583150

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
APAP/P/1994/000668A AP500A (en) 1993-08-20 1994-08-17 A nutrient for the leaching of metal values from an ore

Country Status (4)

Country Link
AP (1) AP500A (en)
AU (1) AU680007B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9403280A (en)
ZA (1) ZA946041B (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0004431A1 (en) * 1978-03-23 1979-10-03 Interox Chemicals Limited Bacterial leaching of minerals

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA1214043A (en) * 1983-01-26 1986-11-18 Albert Bruynesteyn Biological-acid leach process
AU618177B2 (en) * 1990-03-27 1991-12-12 Biomin Technologies Sa Biological oxidation of sulfide ore

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0004431A1 (en) * 1978-03-23 1979-10-03 Interox Chemicals Limited Bacterial leaching of minerals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BR9403280A (en) 1995-04-11
ZA946041B (en) 1995-03-16
AP9400668A0 (en) 1994-10-31
AU680007B2 (en) 1997-07-17
AU7027994A (en) 1995-03-02

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