Review on the Bio-oxidation of Pyrite: Implications for the Mining Industry

Pyrite (FeS2) is the most abundant and widely spread iron-containing sulfide mineral in the earth, and it is also an important source of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and is commonly associated with the other valuable minerals as gangue mineral. Hence, it cannot be ignored in the modern industry, especially in the mining industry. Bio-oxidation of pyrite is an important technology, which mainly means the surface oxidation and/or the oxidative dissolution of pyrite in the presence of microorganisms. Pyrite bio-oxidation is extremely important in the mining industry, such as bio-oxidation of refractory gold ores, bioleaching of precious metals, biological desulphurization, and acid mine drainage (AMD). In this paper, the crystal structure and physicochemical properties of pyrite have been summarized. The bio-oxidation mechanisms of pyrite in various systems were summarized, compared, and discussed according to previous publications. Finally, the current status, challenges, and future prospects of bio-oxidation technologies of pyrite in different systems were discussed.