Control of the Redox Potential by Oxygen Limitation Inhibits Bioleaching of Pyrite

Based on the bioleaching mechanism and electrochemical studies of metal sulfides, the dissolution rate of secondary copper sulfides and pyrite are controlled by redox potentials. Experiment on the bioleaching of the secondary copper sulfides under constant potential by sparging with nitrogen gas demonstrated, by analyzing Cu and Fe content of the bioleaching solution and residues, the pyrite and secondary cooper sulfides dissolution rates have large difference in various redox potential. The pyrite and secondary cooper sulfides have good selection when the redox potential controlled between 700mV and 760mV, we can realize the secondary copper sulfides bioleaching process be controlled, then supply theoretical guide for the iron-acid balance during copper bioleaching process.