Microbe-Mineral Interactions In The Leaching Of Complex Sulfides - Summary

Microbe-mineral interactions in the leaching of complex sulfides are discussed with respect to (a) role of galvanic interactions in selective dissolution, (b) bacterial attachment to sulfide mineral substrates and (c) the utility of specially adapted metal tolerant bacterial strains. Experimental results obtained in the leaching of two types of complex sulfides, namely, a lead-zinc-copper sulfide and a copper-nickel sulfide are illustrated.