2. BIOLEACHING
The ability of micro-organism to solubilize metals from insoluble metals is
known as bio leaching . or
It is the simplest and effective technology for the metal extraction from low
grade ores and mineral concentrate by the use of micro –organisms.
It has been seen that micro-organisms can extract cobalt , nickel, cadium
,antimony ,zinc, lead ,gallium , indium , manganese , copper and tin from
Sulphur based ores.
The basis of microbial extraction is that the metal sulphides the principal
component in many ores are not soluble but when oxidized to sulphate
become soluble so that the metal salt can be extracted.
