Submicro-battery effect and selective bio-oxidation model of gold-bearing arsenopyrite by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans

Through the study by electronic probe it was found that many new cracks and holes appear on the surface of gold-bearing arsenopyrite crystal oxidized by Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, which are along with some directions. Then the selective bio-oxidation model of gold-bearing arsenopyrite was set up. The selective bio-oxidation resulting from the submicro-battery effect of gold/ arsenopyrite mineral pairs naturally forms in the gold-bearing arsenopyrite crystal. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has priority to oxidize the place of gold-rich and oxidizes selectedly along with the crystal border, crystal face and crack. The bacteria oxidation process of gold-bearing arsenopyrite is divided into three stages: the first stage is the surface oxidation, the second stage is restraining oxidation and the third stage is the filament oxidation, bacteria oxidize along with cracks of arsenopyrite.