BIOTECHNOLOGICAL METHODS FOR PROCESSING SUBSTANDARD ORES AND WASTES

The information about using of biotechnological methods for the processing of mineral and technogenic raw materials was analyzed and summarized in the article. A review of the main groups of microorganisms that make up the microbiocenosis of various ecological niches and wastes is given. The leading role of acidophilic chemolithotrophic bacteria in the oxidation process of natural sulphide raw materials is also shown. Basic mechanisms of bacterial leaching of metals and the influence of various factors on the efficiency of oxidation of sulfides are considered. A characteristic of the main methods of bacterial leaching – tanks, underground and heap was given and there were considered their advantages and disadvantages. The article gives the world examples of the use of bioleaching for the production of copper, nickel, gold, uranium. It is noted that there is no practical application of bacterial leaching for processing technogenic raw materials, in particular, coal and energy industry waste for the extraction of valuable metals – germanium, gallium, etc.