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.