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Assignment # 2

The document discusses biometallurgy which uses microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to extract metals from ores. It provides details on bioleaching, bio-oxidation, and biosorption processes and asks students to answer questions about case studies, real-world applications, and designing a biometallurgy process for gold extraction.

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28 views

Assignment # 2

The document discusses biometallurgy which uses microorganisms like bacteria and fungi to extract metals from ores. It provides details on bioleaching, bio-oxidation, and biosorption processes and asks students to answer questions about case studies, real-world applications, and designing a biometallurgy process for gold extraction.

Uploaded by

saad.pisjes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Assignment # 2

Extraction of Materials
1. Bio metallurgy
Biometallurgy involves using biological agents such as bacteria and fungi to extract metals. This method
includes:
a. Bioleaching
Process: Microorganisms are used to solubilize metals from their ores.
Applications: Effective for low-grade ores and tailings.
Example: Bacteria such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans are used to oxidize sulfide ores, releasing gold.
b. Biosorption
Process: Microorganisms or biomass adsorb and concentrate metals from solutions.
Applications: Useful for recovering metals from dilute solutions.
Example: Use of fungal biomass to adsorb gold from leach solutions.
c. Bio-oxidation
Process: Microorganisms are used to oxidize sulfide ores, making the metals accessible for further
extraction processes.
Applications: Commonly used as a pretreatment for refractory gold ores.
Example: Bacterial oxidation to decompose arsenopyrite and liberate gold.

TASK
1. Define Bio metallurgy:
 What is bio metallurgy, and how does it differ from traditional metallurgical methods?
2. Microorganisms in Bioleaching:
 Name two microorganisms commonly used in bioleaching and explain their roles in the
process.
3. Bio-oxidation Process:
 What is bio-oxidation, and how does it aid in the extraction of precious metals from
refractory ores?
4. Biosorption Mechanism:
 Explain the mechanism of biosorption and its application in metal recovery.
5. Environmental Impact:
 Analyze the environmental impact of bio metallurgy. How does it compare to pyrometallurgical
and hydrometallurgical processes?
6. Case Study Analysis
Case Study: Gold Bioleaching:
Find a case study of a gold mining operation that has implemented bioleaching, identify the key
factors that contributed to its success. Discuss the economic and environmental benefits observed.
7. Real-world Application:
Select a real-world example of a mining operation using bio metallurgy for precious metal extraction.
Describe the process, challenges faced, and solutions implemented to optimize metal recovery.
8. Practical Application
Designing a Biometallurgy Process:
Design a basic biometallurgy process for extracting gold from low-grade ore. Include steps for
bioleaching, metal recovery, and waste management.

(Focus more on 6,7,& 8)


Submission Instructions
 Format: Please submit your answers in a PDF.
 Length: Each short answer should be 1-2 paragraphs, and other questions answered thoroughly
with appropriate detail.
 References: Cite any references used.
 Deadline: [1-6-2024]
 Submission Method:
By answering these questions, students will demonstrate their understanding of bio metallurgy methods
and their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical and real-world scenarios.

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