Heap Leaching and Perspectives of Bioleaching Technology for the Processing of Low-Grade Copper-Nickel Sulfide Ores in Murmansk Region, Russia

Abstract

Explored reserves are reducing. Cut-off grade sulfide ores from both abandoned and currently developed deposits, overburden rock while being a major source of non-ferrous metals, pose a serious environmental hazard if unprocessed. Reasonable utilization of rock waste dumps and low-grade ore is beneficial both from environmental and economical viewpoints. New techniques are designed to increase the selectivity and completeness of the disclosure of sulfide minerals, even in low-grade ores and mining waste. Among the variety of approaches is providing a bioleaching.