BIOLEACHING OF ZINC: ECO FRIENDLY MINING

The research work presented in this paper is on a Biomining The estimated annual demand for zinc in India is approximately 2.41 lakh tones; against this, the present installed capacity in the country for zinc ingots is 1.49 lakh tonnes only. There is, thus still a wide gap in the demand and supply of this metal in the country. Leaching zinc from the waste and low grade ore is required to meet the demand, but is not being explored because of the expensive measures and pollution hazards. Bioleaching is  not only an enviro- friendly technology but an actual economical alternative for treating low grade ores and other wastes. The key role is being played by the micro organism - Acidophilus ferroxidans.