Maximizing Economic Performance in the Mining Industry by Applying Bioleaching Technology for Extraction of Polymetallic Mineral Deposits
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Concept of Research Work
2.2. Mineral Deposit
2.3. Ore Characterization
2.4. Microbiological Culture
2.5. Culture Media
2.6. Glass Reactors
2.7. Cultivation of Micro-Organisms
- Ferrous sulphate medium for enrichment of autotrophic iron oxidizers (1 × basal salts, 25 mM ferrous sulphate)
- Ferrous sulphate/yeast extract medium for enrichment of autotrophic iron oxidizers and heterotrophic acidophiles (1 × basal salts, 0.02% yeast extract, 25 mM ferrous sulphate)
- Pyrite medium for enrichment of Leptospirillum sp (1 × basal salts, 1 g of pyrite)
- Yeast extract medium for enrichment of heterotrophic acidophiles (1 × basal salts, 0.02% yeast extract)
2.8. Analytical Determinations
2.9. Goals and Value Measures
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Bioleaching Experiments
3.1.1. Adaptation I
3.1.2. Adaptation II
3.1.3. Adaptation III
3.2. Laboratory Bioleaching Test
3.3. Mineralogical Analysis of Solid Residue
3.4. Lead, Gold and Silver Recovery
3.5. Economic Assessment
5. Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A
Parameter | Unit | Value |
---|---|---|
Mining capacity | t/year | 700,000 |
Processing capacity | t/year | 100,000 |
Hydrometallurgical processing capacity | t/year | 100,000 |
Mining recovery fraction | 0.97 | |
Mining dilution fraction | 1.03 | |
Hydrometallurgical summary recoveries | ||
Copper | % | 0.810 |
Gold | % | 0.900 |
Silver | % | 0.800 |
Zinc | % | 0.648 |
Lead | % | 0.900 |
Mining, Processing (Crushing and Grinding) and Hydrometallurgical processing cost per tonne of ore for: | ||
Copper | $/t | 4180.0 |
Gold | $/kg | 8702.5 |
Silver | $/kg | 298.5 |
Zinc | $/t | 1650.0 |
Lead | $/t | 1900.0 |
Selling price for [38]: | ||
Copper | $/t | 6580 |
Gold | $/kg | 42,330 |
Silver | $/kg | 565 |
Zinc | $/t | 2600 |
Lead | $/t | 2220 |
Capital cost [39] | $ | 12,000,000 |
Discount rate | % | 10 |
References
- Kumar, A.; Dimitrakopoulos, R. Application of simultaneous stochastic optimization with geometallurgical decisions at a copper–gold mining complex. Min. Technol. 2019, 128, 88–105. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Gholamnejad, J.; Mojahedfar, A.R. Determination of the largest pit with the non-negative net profit in the open pit mines. J. Min. Environ. 2010, 1, 45–52. [Google Scholar]
- Gericke, M.; Muller, H.H.; van Staden, P.J.; Pinches, A. Development of a tank bioleaching process for the treatment of complex Cu-polymetallic concentrates. Hydrometallurgy 2008, 94, 23–28. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Rawlings, E.; Johnson, B. The microbiology of biomining: Development and optimization of mineral-oxidizing microbial consortia. Microbiology 2007, 153, 315–324. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Wen-Qing, Q.; Wei-Zhong, L.; Zhuo-Yue, L.; Guan-Zhou, Q. Simulated small-scale pilot plant heap leaching of low-grade oxide zinc ore with integrated selective extraction of zinc. Miner. Eng. 2007, 20, 694–700. [Google Scholar]
- Janković, S. Ore Deposits Serbia, Regional Metallogenic Position, the Middle Generation and Types of Deposits; Department of Economic Geology, Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade: Belgrade, Serbia, 1990; pp. 1–760. (In Serbian) [Google Scholar]
- Janković, S.; Zarić, P.; Radosavljević, S.; Mojsilović, S.; Jelenković, R. The Basic Geological and Metallogenic Studies in Western Serbia; Study; Republic SIZ for Geological Research: Belgrade, Serbia, 1987; pp. 1–42. (In Serbian) [Google Scholar]
- Lučić, J.; Mujezinović, Š. Valorization of Polymetallic Barite-Sulphide Ore from the Bobija Deposit, Near Ljubovija, Study; Study; ITNMS: Belgrade, Serbia, 1973; pp. 1–235. (In Serbian) [Google Scholar]
- Radosavljević, S. Mineralogenetic Characteristics of Silver in Pb-Zn deposits Podrinje area. Ph.D. Thesis, Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia, 1988; pp. 1–264. (In Serbian). [Google Scholar]
- Emsbo, P. Geologic criteria for the assessment of sedimentary exhalative (sedex) Zn-Pb-Ag deposits. US Geol. Surv. Open File Rep. 2009, 1209, 1–21. [Google Scholar]
- Leach, D.; Sangster, D.; Kelley, K.; Ross, L.; Garven, G.; Craig, A. Sediment-hosted Pb-Zn Deposits: A global perspective. Econ. Geol. 2010, 105, 593–625. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Johnson, B. Biomining-biotechnologies for extracting and recovering metals from ores and waste materials. Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 2014, 30, 24–31. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Rawlings, E.; Dew, D.; Plessis, C. Biomineralization of metal-containing ores and concentrates. Trends Biotechnol. 2003, 21, 38–44. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Berezowsky, S.; Collins, J.; Kerfoot, E.; Torres, N. The commercial status of pressure leaching technology. J. Miner. Met. Mater. Soc. 1991, 43, 9–15. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Brierley, L. How will biomining be applied in future? Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China 2008, 18, 1302–1310. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Brierley, A. A perspective on developments in biohydrometallurgy. Hydrometallurgy 2008, 94, 2–7. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Olson, J.; Brierley, A.; Brierley, L. Bioleaching review. Part, B. Progress in bioleaching: Applications of microbial processes by the minerals industry. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2003, 63, 249–257. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Kržanović, D.; Conić, V.; Stevanović, D.; Kolonja, B.; Vaduvesković, J. Long-term planning for open pits for mining sulphide-oxide ores in order to achieve maximum profit. Arch. Min. Sci. 2017, 62, 807–824. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Whittle, G. Enterprise optimisation. In Proceedings of the Mine Planning and Equipment Selection (MPES) Conference, Fremantle, WA, Australia, 1–3 December 2010; pp. 105–117. [Google Scholar]
- Whittle, G.; Burks, S. Simultaneous mining and mineral processing enterprise optimization for the platinum industry. In Proceedings of the 4th International Platinum Conference, Platinum in transition “Boom or Bust”, Johannesburg, South Africa, 11–14 October 2010; pp. 329–338. [Google Scholar]
- Burks, S. Case studies of simultaneous mining and mineral processing optimization applied to platinum and nickel operations. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. 2013, 113, 221–233. [Google Scholar]
- Peevers, R.; Whittle, G. Enterprise optimization for mining businesses. In Proceedings of the SME Annual Meeting & Exibit and CMA 115th National Western Mining Conference, Denver, CO, USA, 24–27 February 2013. [Google Scholar]
- Erarslan, K. Computer Aided Ore Body Modelling and Mine Valuation. In Earth Sciences; Imran, A.D., Ed.; InTech Europe: Rijeka, Croatia, 2012; pp. 345–372. [Google Scholar]
- Software GEMS, version 6.8; Dassault Systèmes Geovia: Vancouver, BC, Canada, License Number LN00025718423.
- Software Whittle, version 4.7; Dassault Systèmes Geovia: Vancouver, BC, Canada, License Number LN00018697091.
- Kržanović, D.; Kolonja, B.; Stevanović, D. Maximizing the net present value by applying an optimal cut-off grade for long-term planning of the copper open pits. Acta Montan. Slovaca 2015, 20, 49–61. [Google Scholar]
- Whittle, G.; Stange, W.; Hanson, N. Optimising Project Value and Robustness. In Proceedings of the Project Evaluation Conference, Melbourne, Australia, 19–20 June 2007; pp. 1–10. [Google Scholar]
- Whittle, J. Beyond optimization in open pit design. In Proceedings of the First Canadian Conference on Computer Applications in the Mineral Industry, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 7–9 March 1988; pp. 331–337. [Google Scholar]
- Whittle, J. A decade of open pit mine planning and optimisation-The craft of turning algorithms into packages. In Proceedings of the APCOM’99: Computer Applications in the Mineral Industries: 28th International Symposum, Golden, CO, USA, 20–22 October 1999; pp. 15–24. [Google Scholar]
- Lerchs, H.; Grossmann, I.F. Optimum design of open pit mines. Can. Min. Metall. Bull. 1965, 58, 17–24. [Google Scholar]
- Gaupp, M.P. Methods for Improving the Tractability of the Block Sequencing Problem for Open Pit Mining. Ph.D. Thesis, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA, 2008. [Google Scholar]
- Kordosky, G.; Sierakoski, J. The LIX 860 series: Unmodified Coper extraction reagents. In Proceedings of the International Solvent Extraction Conference, Denver, CO, USA, 26 September 1983; pp. 1–8. [Google Scholar]
- Sheinman, R.; Kokotov, Y.; Braginsky, L.; Riordan, J.; Vancas, M. Mass transfer efficiency in sx mixers. In Proceedings of the Alta 2013 nickel-cobalt-copper sessions, Perth, Australia, 29 May 2013; pp. 151–159. [Google Scholar]
- Conić, V.; Pešovski, B.; Cvetkovski, V.; Stanojević-Šimšić, Z.; Dragulović, S.; Simonović, D.; Dimitrijević, S. Lead sulphate leaching by sodium chloride solution. Hemijska Ind. 2013, 67, 485–494. (In Serbian) [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
- Milanovic, D.; Dragulovic, S.; Conic, V.; Kovacevic, R.; Bugarin, M. Chemical refining process for Pb, Au and Ag recovery by treatment of a bioleach solid residue from sedex type ore: Part 2; Chapter 6. In Proceedings of the the IMPC 2018, Moscow, Russia, 17–21 September 2018; pp. 537–543. [Google Scholar]
- Conić, V.; Rajčić Vujasinović, M.; Trujić, V.; Cvetkovski, V. Copper, zinc, and iron bioleaching from a polymetallic sulphide concentrate. Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China 2012, 24, 3688–3695. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Conić, V.; Trujić, V.; Dragulovic, S.; Milanovic, D.; Kovacevic, R.; Bugarin, M. Two stage leaching process for Cu and Zn recovery from sedex type ores: Part 1. In Proceedings of the IMPC 2018, Moscow, Russia, 17–21 September 2018; p. 185. [Google Scholar]
- World Bank Commodities Price Forecast. Available online: http://pubdocs.worldbank.org/en/823461540394173663/CMO-October-2018-Forecasts.pdf (accessed on 24 April 2019).
- HORIZON. Integrated Innovative Metallurgical System to Benefit Efficiency Polymetallic, Complex and Low Grade Ore and Concentrates; Contract No. 689515; European Project; IntMet: Seville, Spain, 2019. [Google Scholar]
Ore Body | Average Grade of Metal in the Ore | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cu (%) | Ag (g/t) | Au g/t | Zn (%) | Pb (%) | |
Tenka 1 | 0.184 | 9.891 | 0.552 | 1.623 | 0.535 |
Tenka 2 | 0.295 | 7.349 | 0.793 | 1.647 | 0.276 |
Middle value | 0.221 | 9.045 | 0.632 | 1.631 | 0.449 |
Natural Population of Bacteria in Serbia Zijin Bor Copper DOO Company Mine Waters | ||
---|---|---|
Program for PCR Analysis | Target—PCR | Bacteria, cells/mL |
P363P364 | Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans | 2.3 × 104 |
P353P354 | Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans | 2.3 × 104 |
P071M041 | Leptospirillum ferrooxidans | 2.3 × 104 |
Year | Ore (tonne) | Waste (tonne) | Cu (%) | Ag (g/t) | Au (g/t) | Zn (%) | Pb (%) | Cashflow ($) | Cashflow ($ disc) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 99,915 | 600,085 | 0.30 | 4.20 | 0.50 | 0.44 | 0.10 | 2,510,645 | 2,282,404 |
2 | 99,998 | 600,002 | 0.22 | 6.30 | 0.50 | 0.74 | 0.11 | 2,491,845 | 2,059,376 |
3 | 100,000 | 331,506 | 0.24 | 8.90 | 0.50 | 1.40 | 0.36 | 3,118,685 | 2,343,114 |
4 | 100,000 | 244,786 | 0.27 | 10.10 | 0.60 | 1.56 | 0.56 | 3,707,067 | 2,531,977 |
5 | 100,000 | 206,138 | 0.26 | 8.90 | 0.60 | 1.33 | 0.45 | 3,383,907 | 2,101,140 |
6 | 100,000 | 99,479 | 0.25 | 7.70 | 0.60 | 1.41 | 0.37 | 3,507,060 | 1,979,644 |
7 | 100,000 | 99,479 | 0.25 | 7.70 | 0.60 | 1.41 | 0.37 | 3,258,800 | 1,672,280 |
8 | 100,000 | 80,866 | 0.27 | 7.80 | 0.70 | 1.06 | 0.26 | 3,735,111 | 1,742,457 |
9 | 100,000 | 104,184 | 0.27 | 8.30 | 0.70 | 1.63 | 0.43 | 3,806,957 | 1,614,521 |
10 | 100,000 | 53,518 | 0.30 | 10.10 | 0.80 | 1.50 | 0.32 | 4,310,576 | 1,661,914 |
11 | 100,000 | 53,518 | 0.30 | 10.10 | 0.80 | 1.50 | 0.32 | 4,310,576 | 1,510,831 |
12 | 29,143 | 15,597 | 0.30 | 10.10 | 0.80 | 1.50 | 0.32 | 1,256,165 | 428,218 |
Total | 1,129,056 | 2,489,158 | 0.27 | 8.24 | 0.63 | 1.28 | 0.33 | 39,397,394 | 21,927,876 |
© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Share and Cite
Kržanović, D.; Conić, V.; Bugarin, D.; Jovanović, I.; Božić, D. Maximizing Economic Performance in the Mining Industry by Applying Bioleaching Technology for Extraction of Polymetallic Mineral Deposits. Minerals 2019, 9, 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/min9070400
Kržanović D, Conić V, Bugarin D, Jovanović I, Božić D. Maximizing Economic Performance in the Mining Industry by Applying Bioleaching Technology for Extraction of Polymetallic Mineral Deposits. Minerals. 2019; 9(7):400. https://doi.org/10.3390/min9070400
Chicago/Turabian StyleKržanović, Daniel, Vesna Conić, Dejan Bugarin, Ivana Jovanović, and Dragana Božić. 2019. "Maximizing Economic Performance in the Mining Industry by Applying Bioleaching Technology for Extraction of Polymetallic Mineral Deposits" Minerals 9, no. 7: 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/min9070400