Abstract:

The studies and developments on thermophiles used in the pre-bioleaching of refractory gold concentrates were briefly summarized.A bacterial oxidation plant using moderate thermophile for pre-treating of arsenic refractory gold concentrate in Youanmi Mine was described.It's process flow sheet and economics,the reactor design and operation,integration of bacterial oxidation with other unit operations were discussed.

Key words: bacterial oxidation, thermophile, reactor design