LEACHING OF SYNTHETIC GaAs- AND INDIUM-BEARING SPHALERITE ORE WITH HELP OF “REICHE ZECHE” MINE WATER

Abstract

The main goal of the experiment was to leach minerals using microbes. To accomplish this goal, the course dealt with the acquisition of adequate bacteria, by taking water samples in the underground mine “Reiche Zeche”. Later leaching in stirred tank reactors was performed with two different substrates: synthetic GaAs and indium-bearing sphalerite ore. The leaching experiment was continuously monitored by the evolution of pH and redox potential. Samples were taken regularly in order to allow an evaluation of the actual leaching performance.