Biomining and Mineral Extraction

[ringo1960]

I am a director of a private mining company based in Australia. We are looking into the possibility of extracting minerals from polymetallic ore bodies via a bio technique which could cut costs and time instead of the traditional methods of mineral leaching or floatation.

The main ore body contains Fe with payable grades of Nickel, Chromium, Cobalt and Vanadium. The Fe content is about 52-58% that can be extracted by a magnetic separator, but we want to extract all the payable minerals if possible.

Can anyone put me in touch with companies or people who may be able to help us.

Regards,

Ringo1960

 

[cawse001]

Ringo,

Interesting mix of elements.

I suggest you contact an engineering company about doing a scoping level study on process options. There are a few in Perth with relevant expertise.

One of the fundamental questions in selecting a suitable process is about the mineralogy of the deposit. In what form is the Fe, Ni, Cr etc? This will dictate amenability to bioleaching or other routes.

Cheers,

NB

 

[PBroad]

Suggest you contact

http://www.bactech.com.

Or given your location try Amira.com.au or MIRO both are research groups that may be interested in solving the problem for you. A lot will depend on whether the mineral is sulphide or oxide! You ommitted this keyy point, but if not a sulphide bacteria won't help.