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Some microbiological aspects of bauxite mineralization and beneficiation

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Abstract

A microbial survey of Jamnagar bauxite mines in Gujarat, India, revealed the indigenous presence of a variety of autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria and fungi associated with the ore body and water ponds in the vicinity. Among these, bacteria belonging to the genera Thiobacillus, Bacillus and Pseudomonas are implicated in the weathering of aluminosilicates; the precipitation of iron oxy hydroxides; the dissolution and conversion of alkaline metal species; and the formation of alumina, silica and calcite minerals. Fungi belonging to the genus Cladosporium can reduce ferric iron and dissolve alumina silicates. Biogenesis thus plays a significant role in bauxite mineralization. Various types of bacteria and fungi, such as Bacillus polymyxa, Bacillus coagulans and Aspergillus niger, were found to be efficient in significant calcium solubilization and partial iron removal from bauxite ore. Probable mechanisms in the biobeneficiation process are analyzed. Biobeneficiation is shown to be an effective technique for the removal of iron and calcium from bauxite ores for use in refractories and ceramics.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Metallurgy, USA

    K. A. Natarajan (professor and project assistant) & P. Anand (professor and project assistant)

  2. Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India

    J. M. Modak (associate professor)

Authors
  1. K. A. Natarajan
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  2. J. M. Modak
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  3. P. Anand
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Additional information

SME nonmeeting paper 96-638

Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted to SME prior to Aug. 31, 1997.

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Natarajan, K.A., Modak, J.M. & Anand, P. Some microbiological aspects of bauxite mineralization and beneficiation. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 14, 47–53 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402759

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402759

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