Effect of Phanerochaete chrysosporium on Graphite Degradation during Pre-Treatment of Simulated Gold Preg-Robbing Ore

Abstract. In this study, the effect ofPhanerochaete chrysosporiumon graphite was investigated, and graphite was used as a substitute of elemental carbon in carbonaceous gold ores. Under the condition of optimum process, the fungal degradation rate of graphite reached to 13.49%, and the carbon content of graphite was decreased by 5.13%. XRD analysis indicated thatPhanerochaete chrysosporiumcould destroy the crystal structure of graphite. FTIR analysis indicated thatPhanerochaete chrysosporiumcould increase the number of aliphatic structures and oxygen-containing groups. The cyanide leaching gold tests showed thatPhanerochaete chrysosporiumcan decrease the preg-robbing capacity of graphite, about 9.52%. It indicated thatPhanerochaete chrysosporiumis an available microorganism, which was employed to pre-treat carbonaceous matter in carbonaceous gold ores to reduce the interference of gold cyanidation leaching.