Selection of a community of acidochemolithotrophic microorganisms with a high oxidation rate of pyrrhotite-containing sulphide ore flotation concentrate

A community of acidochemolithotrophic microorganisms with a high oxidation rate of pyrrhotite-containing sulphide ore flotation concentrate was selected. The Acidithiobacillus caldus OP-1 and Ferroplasma acidiphilum OP-2 cultures were identified to be dominating members. The presence of the Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans OP-3, Leptospirillum ferriphilum OP-4, and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans OP-5 cultures in the community’s composition was also mentioned. The analysis results of solid residues of the process showed a greater elemental sulfur oxidation level and gold recovery when the initial pH value in tank I was maintained at a level of 1.8–2.0 (90.5%) rather than 1.6–1.8 (86.3%).