T.I. Kuzyakina, T.S. Khainasova, O.O. Levenets

Research Geotechnological Centre, Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences,
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia

Recovery of valuable components using microorganisms serves a recognized biotechnological method of treatment of sulfidic ores. This technology is economically favorable and ecologically safe. Perspectives of technology of bioleaching are described. The systematics of microorganisms used in bioleaching and their role in this process are shown. Today the main microorganisms used in bioleaching are chemolithotrophic acidophilic Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, At. thiooxidans, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans. Due to the development of stirred-tank bioleaching more attention is paid on moderately thermophilic and thermophilic bacteria and archaea, which provide higher speed of oxidation of sulfides at high temperatures.

Keywords: bacterial and chemical leaching, chemolithotrophic microorganisms, sulphide ores