Patents Assigned to MINTEX
  • INTRODUCTION OF MICROORGANISMS IN BIO-ASSISTED HEAP LEACHING OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20090209027
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of introducing microorganisms into a heap of material for bio-assisted heap leaching by preparing microorganisms substantially without exopolymers on their external cell walls; adding such microorganisms to the heap; and re-activating the production of exopolymers on the external cells walls of the microorganisms in the heap. The invention also extends to a method of enriching the environment of microorganisms' embedded in a heap for bio-assisted heap leaching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicants: MINERAL ENERGETICS (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED, MINTEX
    Inventors: Frank K. Crundwell, Alan E. Norton