Goals of the Project
The Bio4Sb Project aims to optimize the bioleaching of polymetallic Ag-Cu-Sb-tetrahedrite concentrates. This process utilizes acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria, both from a dedicated strain collection and newly isolated bacteria, at ambient temperature in controlled environments such as shake flasks and stirring bioreactors.
The project's primary objectives begin with the detailed characterization of the polymetallic Ag-Cu-Sb-tetrahedrite concentrate, establishing it as a critical raw material (CRM) source. A major component of this work involves an in-depth bacterial diversity study at the selected site in Rožňava (Strieborná vein), which may lead to the identification of new acidophilic bacterial species suitable for biohydrometallurgical applications.
To achieve high yields of copper (Cu) and antimony (Sb) while minimizing environmental impact, the project prioritizes the pre-treatment and optimization of tetrahedrite concentrate bioleaching conditions. By integrating expertise in microbiology, geochemistry, and environmental sciences, Bio4Sb is building a strong foundation for future developments and sustainable technologies at the Institute of Geotechnics SAS and beyond.
