Reductive Bioleaching of Goethite-Rich and Hematite-Rich Iron Tailings by Anaerobic Organisms

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

A series of iron-leaching experiments were conducted to test the ability of metal-reducing anaerobic organisms to reduce iron from Fe3+ to Fe2+ to dissolve it from iron ore tailings. This bioleaching process involves the fermentation of biomass from Typha latifolia (a common wetland plant) to generate organic compounds, which, along with metal-reducing organisms, reduce and dissolve iron. The study investigated iron bioleaching from both goethite-rich and hematite-rich tailings, monitoring the dissolution process over one year. Hematite is generally considered resistant to bioleaching due to its crystalline structure, which limits microbial access. However, prolonged microbial activity gradually facilitated its breakdown and dissolution, demonstrating the potential of long-term bioleaching strategies. The maximum dissolved iron concentration observed was 1177 mg/L for goethite-rich tailings at a pH of 4.7 ± 0.7, while hematite-rich tailings reached 619 mg/L at a pH of 5.1 ± 0.8. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of anaerobic bioleaching in reducing iron from two different mineral phases.

Publication Title

Mining Metallurgy and Exploration

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