Bioleaching of Low Grade Uranium Ore of Saghand Mine

Document Type : Research Note

Authors

1 ineral Processing Group, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

2 Biotechnology Group, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat modares University, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

3 Mineral Processing Group, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

4 EMKA Company, Iran Atomic Energy Organization, Tehran, I.R. IRAN

Abstract

This study deals with bioleaching of the low grade uranium ore of Saghand mine in Iran using a mixed culture of mesophilic bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans). Experiments were carried out in shaking flask examining the effect of temperature, initial ferrous ion concentration, pulp density and particle size. Variations of pH, Eh, ferrous ion concentration, cells growth and uranium extraction were monitored. The highest rates of leaching and extraction were obtained at 35ºC, 2.5% (w/v) pulp density, 4 g/l ferrous ion and - 106µm particle size.  

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References

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