Feasibility study on heap bioleaching of chalcopyrite

Abstract Bioleaching of chalcopyrite often encountered the formation of passivation layer, which inhibited the leaching process and resulted in a low leaching rate. This inhibitory effect can be eliminated by thermophilic bioleaching. The industrial test of BioCOP technology based on thermophiles was successfully completed, which confirmed the feasibility of chalcopyrite bioleaching. However, industrial leaching rate of chalcopyrite heap bioleaching is lower. This paper described the development status and industrial test of chalcopyrite heap bioleaching technology. The reasons for the lower efficiency of chalcopyrite heap bioleaching were analyzed. The strategies for successful chalcopyrite heap bioleaching were proposed.