Ghazi - Graduate student, mineral processing group, mining Eng.Dep, Shahid Bahonar of Kerman. Iran
Ranjbar - Associate Professor, Mining Eng,Dep,Shahid Bahonar of Kerman.Iran
manafi - Senior Scientists, R&D Department Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, Iran

In This project, the bacterium (Acidianus brierleyi) was originally isolated from Sarcheshmeh copper mine and adapted on a 9k nutrient medium with a chalcopyrite concentrate. The experiments were carried out in flasks and an airlift reactor with a pulp density in the range of 1-15% concentrate. The results in shake flasks showed that the bacteria adapted themselves to the chalcopyrite concentrate with solid percentages of 1-15%. At 15% of solids, 85% of copper was recovered in airlift reactor in 33 days. Using multilevel experiment design technique for 10 and 15% solids in 68, 70 and 75°C, it was concluded that the maximum copper recovery in 10% and 15% of solid were achieved at 75°C and 80°C respectively.

Bioleaching, Chalcopyrite concentrate, Acidianus brierleyi, airlift reactor