Research progress on copper bioleaching technology
Received:April 07, 2025            Published Online:May 30, 2025
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DOI:10.20237/j.issn.1007-7545.2025.06.002
KeyWord:copper; bioleaching; strain selection and breeding; enhanced leaching; industrial heap leaching; artificial intelligence
                    
AuthorInstitution
ZHAO Juan 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;有研资源环境技术研究院(北京)有限公司,北京 ;北京有色金属研究总院,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
NIE Rong 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;有研资源环境技术研究院(北京)有限公司,北京 ;北京有色金属研究总院,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
LIU Xue 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;有研资源环境技术研究院(北京)有限公司,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
TIAN Bingyang 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
YANG Xinlong 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
WEN Jiankang 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
WU Biao 中国有研科技集团有限公司 高品质有色金属绿色特种冶金国家工程研究中心,北京 ;战略性有色金属绿色制造技术北京市工程研究中心,北京 ;有研工程技术研究院有限公司,北京
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Abstract:
      During the development of the modern industrial system, copper, as an indispensable strategic metal resource, deeply integrated into every aspect of national economic construction and defense security. Its significance is self-evident. However, due to a long-term reliance on traditional mining and smelting methods, copper ore reserves have been continuously depleting, and the ecological environment has faced severe challenges. Issues such as tailings pollution and excessive energy consumption have become increasingly prominent. In this context, copper bioleaching technology, characterized by its environmentally friendly nature and high resource utilization rate, has rapidly emerged as a core technology for promoting the transformation and upgrading of mineral processing and non-ferrous metal metallurgy industries. Currently, the global output of copper bioleaching accounts for 20% of total copper ore production, and its strategic importance in the industry has become increasingly pronounced. In recent years, research on copper biometallurgy technology has made significant breakthroughs, yielding promising results in key areas such as the cultivation and identification of high-efficiency leaching bacteria, the analysis of interfacial reaction mechanisms in bioleaching, the development of sustainable green technologies, the optimization of low-carbon biometallurgical processes, and the innovation of artificial intelligence applications. At the level of high-efficiency leaching bacterial strain research, the research team has systematically conducted the selection and breeding of bacterial strains by integrating traditional microbiology with modern molecular biology techniques, while closely addressing the practical needs of complex ore processing and extreme environmental adaptability. Utilizing advanced biological identification and isolation technologies, the team has achieved a diverse selection of leaching strains and improved the accuracy of sequencing efforts, thereby establishing a robust technical foundation for the efficient recovery of copper resources. Furthermore, in-depth research on microbial metabolism has provided a scientific basis for the precise control of bacterial colony structures, the optimization of leaching process parameters, and the enhancement of leaching efficiency in industrial production. In the field of process optimization, research on selective leaching, the development of new leaching agents, and the regulation of leaching systems has continued to advance significantly. Additionally, by exploring the synergistic application of physical, chemical, and biological enhancements, the industrial application of copper ore bioleaching has improved markedly. Concurrently, research on the interface mechanisms of bioleaching has deepened. Through microscopic observation and theoretical simulation, researchers have elucidated the key processes involved in the interaction between microorganisms and ore surfaces, including microbial attachment, metabolite secretion, and electron transfer mechanisms. These findings provide crucial theoretical support for the optimization and enhancement of the leaching process. With the rapid advancement of digital technology, artificial intelligence has emerged as a crucial development direction in copper biometallurgy. In the realm of mine heap leaching, significant breakthroughs have been achieved through the application of artificial intelligence. The multimodal sensing system can collect key parameters, such as temperature, humidity, acidity, and alkalinity in the heap leaching process, facilitated by digital twin technology, allow for the visual monitoring of the leaching operation through virtual environments. This capability enables timely adjustments to process parameters, significantly enhancing the controllability and efficiency of production. Looking to the future, copper bio-metallurgy technology presents extensive research opportunities across multiple avenues. Firstly, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as gene editing and synthetic biology, we will conduct in-depth cultivation and domestication of highly efficient microbial strains. This will involve systematically constructing the metabolic networks of ore-leaching microorganisms to further enhance their leaching performance and environmental adaptability. Secondly, innovate and develop new enhanced leaching technologies by combining novel materials and processes to create energy-efficient and environmentally friendly leaching equipment. This approach will improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of resources while reducing production costs and environmental loads. Thirdly, integrate multi-source data and apply technologies such as big data and machine learning to create highly visual and high-precision dynamic prediction models, achieving precise regulation and optimization of the leaching process. Fourthly, achieve a deep integration of artificial intelligence and bio-heap leaching technology. Utilize intelligent algorithms to optimize the parameters of the leaching process, enhance production efficiency through real-time data analysis, and apply 3D visualization technology to realize dynamic monitoring within the ore heap. Meanwhile, relying on the perception, learning and decision-making capabilities of artificial intelligence, an intelligent optimization model is constructed to achieve adaptive adjustment of process parameters and maximize efficiency, and a visual management platform is built through digital twin technology. Ultimately, deeply integrate artificial intelligence into the entire industrial chain, integrate new-generation information technologies such as the Internet of Things and big data, build an intelligent and optimized ecosystem, and promote the comprehensive transformation of copper bio-metallurgy from the traditional operation mode to a high-end manufacturing mode that is green, intelligent and automated. This article aims to provide systematic theoretical references and practical guidance for scholars and researchers in related fields through a comprehensive review of the advancements in copper bio-metallurgy technology. It integrates the benefits of traditional bio-leaching processes with the latest scientific discoveries. The objective is to help relevant parties understand the cutting-edge trends within the industry, promote the industrial application of bio-leaching technology, and foster a harmonious relationship between economic development and environmental protection. This is essential for ensuring a sustainable supply of copper resources and addressing the global demand for green and low-carbon development.
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