Bioleaching compositions and methods for mining metals

Abstract

A bioleaching composition for treating ores or other materials including metals or metal salts is presented, wherein the bioleaching composition includes a biosurfactant and a metal solubilizing agent. The biosurfactant may be a sophorolipid biosurfactant (SLP), and the metal solubilizing agent includes an acid and an oxidizing agent or a microorganism. In a bioleaching process using the bioleaching composition, the metal in the ore may be separated from a solution phase or a non-solution phase. Compositions derived from microorganisms are also provided for the pre-leaching treatment of a metal source, which compositions can be used to reduce impurities in the metal source. The use of the bioleaching composition increases the extraction rate and / or the throughput of the process.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 300,750 filed on January 19, 2022 and No. 63 / 351,519 filed on June 13, 2022, the entire contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] "Leaching" is a widely used extractive metallurgical technique that converts metals in ores (lumps of minerals, rocks or soil) into soluble salts in an aqueous medium. There are many different leaching processes, which are usually classified by the type of reagents used. These techniques use either chemicals or microorganisms to extract the metals, depending on the ore or material being processed.

[0004] The large environmental footprint of mining and leaching requires sustainable methods to extract and recover metals from tailings, slag and industrial waste. These sources typically show low metal content but in very large quantities. However, most metal-containing waste streams are placed directly in landfills. In these landfills, they can be dissolved by rainwater and become a source of contamination for surface and groundwater. Currently, typical approaches to reducing these waste streams mainly involve fixation in concrete and incineration, followed by compaction to reduce the volume.

[0005] Hydrometallurgical extraction and concentration of metals from primary ores is typically performed by froth flotation and leaching using strong acids, bases, solvents and / or surfactants. Extraction of high yields and high selectivity of metals from high-grade ores is hampered by toxic contaminants, handling issues, and loss of leaching agents (e.g., sulfuric acid or sodium cyanide) through matrix interactions. These issues limit the application of these processes to mining low-grade metal sources.

[0006] Recently, biohydrometallurgy has used microbially generated leaching agents for metal extraction and / or recovery and has been used for Cu heap leaching and Au heap leaching. These autotrophic leaching techniques are derived from acidophilic microorganisms and, while effective on sulfide matrices, are generally ineffective on heterogeneous secondary sources. The biomolecules are compatible with the sulfide matrix, stable during use, reuse and recycling, and are biodegradable. Microbial biosurfactants are formed by biological processes. This biological process is expected to become increasingly attractive as production costs decrease and quantities increase, and new applications such as biohydrometallurgy are introduced.

[0007] The safe and efficient recovery of metals is extremely important. Therefore, new and improved methods for processing metals are needed. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention generally relates to the recovery of metals. More specifically, the present invention provides bioleaching compositions. In certain embodiments, the compositions may be derived from microorganisms, wherein the compositions may be used to mine or recover metals from ores or other metal sources, including tailings, battery waste, and waste equipment such as circuit boards. Methods for recovering valuable minerals and / or metals (e.g., gold, copper, silver, lithium, and cobalt) from ores and other metal sources are also provided.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a bioleaching composition that can be used in a process for recovering metals.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises biosurfactant-producing microorganisms and / or microbial growth byproducts in crude or purified form. In certain embodiments, the microbial growth byproduct is a biosurfactant.

[0011] In certain preferred embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises an aqueous solution of a biosurfactant. The biosurfactant may be present in solution in an amount ranging from less than 1% to more than 10% of the mixture.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the biosurfactant is a glycolipid. In one embodiment, the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid (SLP), such as linear SLP, lactone SLP (acidic), acetylated SLP, deacetylated SLP, SLP derivatives in salt form, esterified SLP derivatives, amino acid-SLP conjugates, and other SLP derivatives or isomers existing in nature and / or synthetically prepared. The composition may also include a mixture of biosurfactants and / or biosurfactant subclasses.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the bioleaching composition further comprises a metal solubilizing agent, such as an acid-oxidizing agent mixture or a metal solubilizing microorganism.

[0014] The acid can be any acid capable of dissolving an insoluble metal salt, such as, but not limited to, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and / or hydrocyanic acid (or salts thereof). The acid can be used in a wide range of concentrations, from less than 1% to more than 10%.

[0015] The oxidant may be selected from, for example, ferric chloride, chlorine, bromine and oxygen, etc. The amount of the oxidant used is sufficient to release the target metal as a soluble salt, but the amount used should minimize the waste of the oxidant.

[0016] In certain exemplary embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises a biosurfactant, an acid, and an oxidant, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid, the acid is sulfuric acid, and the oxidant comprises Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ .

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for releasing a target metal from said target metal source, wherein the bioleaching composition of the present invention is applied to the metal source. The metal source may be an ore, tailings, slag and / or electronic waste from, for example, batteries and circuits, etc.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the target metal is released in the form of a soluble salt, and / or a significant portion of any matrix encapsulating the target metal is removed, thereby facilitating the separation of the target metal from the insoluble portion. For example, the bioleaching composition can be combined with a particle ore containing at least one target metal. The components can be mixed to react the ore with at least one component of the bioleaching composition to form a soluble solution containing the metal and a non-solution phase. In some embodiments, the particle metal source is a fine powder. The particle diameter in the fine powder can be less than about 1m, about 75cm, about 50cm, about 25cm, about 10cm, about 75mm, about 50mm, about 25mm, about 10mm, about 5mm, about 1mm, about 100μm, about 10μm, about 1μm, about 100nm, about 10nm or about 1nm.

[0019] Mixing of the bioleaching composition and the metal source may be performed by, for example, agitation, bubbling of reactive or inert gases, ultrasonic mixing, piezoelectric stirring, or any combination thereof.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the solution comprising the soluble metal can be separated from the non-solution phase by, for example, decantation, filtration, centrifugation, or any combination thereof.

[0021] In certain embodiments, a method for separating finely released target metals from coal gangue using froth flotation is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes aerating the target metal in water in the presence of a biosurfactant according to the present invention, thereby facilitating the attachment of bubbles to the target metal so that it floats to the surface of the liquid. At the surface of the water, the target metal is supported by the foam layer and then collected. Unattached material remains immersed in the liquid below. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the biosurfactant changes the surface properties of the target metal, selectively binds to the water surface and imparts hydrophobicity to the metal, etc., to promote the attachment of bubbles.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method for extracting a target metal from an ore is provided, wherein the ore in a particulate state is combined with a microorganism and / or a bioleaching composition according to the present invention to form a liquid slurry. When applied, the microorganism can be alive (or viable) or inactive. In certain embodiments, the microorganism can grow in situ and produce active compounds (e.g., metabolites) that can directly or indirectly dissolve the metal.

[0023] The slurry may then be allowed to stand and / or be agitated for a sufficient period of time to leach the target metal particles from the ore. The slurry may optionally be continuously mixed and / or circulated (e.g., mechanically or using aeration) throughout the leaching process to ensure maximum contact between the ore particles and the bioleaching composition.

[0024] Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to release a variety of target metals, including but not limited to aluminum, arsenic, cerium, cesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, germanium, gold, hafnium, holmium, indium, iridium, lanthanum, lead, lithium, lutetium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, neodymium, nickel, niobium, palladium, platinum, praseodymium, rhodium, rubidium, ruthenium, samarium, scandium, silver, tantalum, tellurium, terbium, thallium, tin, titanium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium, and any mixtures thereof or any other rare earth metal or transition metal.

[0025] Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the bioleaching compositions and methods of the present invention are effective at standard leaching temperatures known in the metallurgical art. In certain embodiments, the bioleaching compositions and methods are useful at temperatures below standard (e.g., about 60° C. to 90° C.). Thus, the present invention provides methods for reducing the energy requirements for metal extraction and leaching while producing similar or improved yields.

[0026] In addition, in certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods for improving the performance of standard leaching agents (e.g., acids, oxidants, and / or cyanides), wherein the agents are used together with the biosurfactants of the present invention and / or microbial cultures that generate the biosurfactants. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the biosurfactants of the bioleaching compositions of the present invention act synergistically with the leaching agents (e.g., acids and oxidants) to improve their performance. This can potentially reduce not only the volume usage of irritating leaching agents, but also improve leaching rates with reduced time and / or energy consumption.

[0027] In some embodiments, the metal source (e.g., ore, tailings, slag and / or electronic waste from batteries and circuits) can be treated with a pre-leaching composition before the leaching process. In certain embodiments, the method may also include, after obtaining the metal source, simultaneously with the treatment by the pre-leaching composition of the present invention, and / or after treating the metal source with the pre-leaching composition, one or more beneficiation processes are carried out on the metal source. One or more beneficiation processes may include crushing, washing, cleaning, screening, flotation and / or hydrocyclone. In certain embodiments, the pre-leaching composition includes a microbial biosurfactant. In certain embodiments, the composition includes a biosurfactant, and optionally other compounds, such as surfactants, pine oil, xanthate or any combination thereof.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the pre-leaching composition according to the present invention is effective due to the penetration of the metal source mediated by amphiphilic molecules. In some embodiments, sophorolipids or other biosurfactants are used as carriers to promote metal transport. For example, in some embodiments, sophorolipids will form micelles containing metals, wherein the size of the micelles is less than about 100 μm, less than about 10 μm, less than about 1 μm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50 nm, less than about 25 nm, less than about 15 nm or less than about 10 nm, less than about 5 nm or less than about 2 nm. The small size and amphiphilicity of the micelles allow for enhanced penetration of the metal source, thereby allowing greater contact with the metal therein.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the method includes flotation of the target metal pre-leaching composition according to the present invention, which helps the bubbles to attach to the target metal, causing it to float to the surface of the liquid during aeration. At the surface of the water, the target metal is supported by the foam layer and then collected. The unattached material remains immersed in the liquid below. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the biosurfactant changes the surface properties of the target metal, selectively binds to the surface and renders the metal hydrophobic to promote the attachment of the bubbles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 Shown is a comparison of pH readings for a control leaching treatment without biosurfactant and three leaching treatments containing biosurfactants at 60°C for 7 days.

[0031] Figure 2 Shown is a comparison of Eh readings for a control leaching treatment without biosurfactant and three leaching treatments containing biosurfactants at 60°C for 7 days.

[0032] Figure 3 Shown is a comparison of copper sulphide measured in a feed sample of a low grade copper ore, and residue measurements after a control leaching treatment without biosurfactant and three leaching treatments with biosurfactant at 60°C for 7 days. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention provides materials and methods for removing and / or separating metals from tailings, slag or other metal sources, wherein in certain embodiments, the metals are leached from the source in the form of water-soluble salts. In embodiments of the present invention, the source "ore" of the metals may be battery tailings or waste materials from electrical equipment, such as printed circuit boards, where the metals are more easily released into solution or otherwise separated from the waste material.

[0034] Advantageously, the compositions and methods of the present invention reduce the amount of irritating and / or toxic leaching reagents used, such as acids, oxidants, and cyanides; improve the performance of existing leaching reagents, even at reduced temperatures (e.g., 60° C. to 90° C.); and reduce the energy and time required to produce a desired metal extraction yield.

[0035] Selected Definitions

[0036] As used herein, "administering" a composition or product means contacting it with a target or site so that the composition or product can have an effect on the target or site. The effect may be caused by the growth of microorganisms and / or the action of biosurfactants or other byproducts of microbial growth, etc.

[0037] As used herein, an "isolated" or "purified" nucleic acid molecule, polynucleotide, polypeptide, protein or small molecule, or other organic compound (e.g., an organic compound described below) is substantially free of other compounds associated with nature (e.g., cellular material). A purified or isolated polynucleotide (ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)) is free of genes or sequences that flank it in its naturally occurring state. A purified or isolated polypeptide is free of amino acids or sequences that flank it in its naturally occurring state. An isolated microbial strain refers to a strain that has been removed from its naturally occurring environment. Thus, an isolated strain may exist as a biologically pure culture or as a spore (or other form of strain) associated with a vector.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the purified compound is at least 60% of the related compound by weight. Preferably, the preparation is at least 75% by weight of the compound of interest, more preferably at least 90%, and most preferably at least 98%. For example, the purified compound is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 98%, 99% or 100% (w / w) by weight of the desired compound. Purity is measured by any appropriate standard method such as column chromatography, thin layer chromatography or high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analytical methods.

[0039] "Metabolite" refers to any substance produced by metabolism or a substance necessary to participate in a specific metabolic process. A metabolite can be an organic compound that is a starting material, intermediate, or end product of metabolism. Examples of metabolites can include, but are not limited to, enzymes, acids, solvents, alcohols, proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, biopolymers, and biosurfactants.

[0040] The range provided herein is understood to be a shorthand expression of all numerical values ​​in the range. For example, the range of 1 to 20 can be understood to include any number, combination of numbers or subranges in the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, and all decimal values ​​between the above integers, such as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9. Regarding subranges, "nested subranges" extending from either end of the range are particularly contemplated. For example, the nested subranges of the exemplary range 1 to 50 can include 1 to 10, 1 to 20, 1 to 30 and 1 to 40 in one direction, or 50 to 40, 50 to 30, 50 to 20 and 50 to 10 in another direction.

[0041] As used herein, "decrease" refers to a negative change and "increase" refers to a positive change, wherein the negative change or the positive change is at least 0.001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%.

[0042] As used herein, "ore" refers to a naturally occurring solid material from which valuable substances, minerals and / or metals can be extracted. Ores are typically mined from a ore deposit, which consists of ore minerals containing valuable target metals. Other "gangue" minerals refer to minerals in the ore deposit that contain non-target metals. Examples of ore deposits include hydrothermal deposits, magmatic deposits, laterite deposits, volcanogenic deposits, metamorphic alteration deposits, carbonate alkaline igneous rock-related deposits, placer deposits, residual ore deposits, sedimentary deposits, sedimentary hydrothermal deposits, and crater-related deposits. However, as used herein, ore may also include concentrates or tailings, coal or coal waste products, and even other sources of metals or precious minerals, including but not limited to jewelry, electronic scrap, batteries and other waste materials.

[0043] As used herein, "leaching" refers to the process of separating metals from metal sources such as ores, tailings, slag and / or electronic waste from batteries and circuits by aqueous solutions, including cyanide leaching, ammonia leaching, alkaline leaching or acid leaching.

[0044] The transitional term "comprising," which is synonymous with "including" or "containing," is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. In contrast, the transitional phrase "consisting of" excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps "and those that do not materially affect the basic, novel characteristic." Use of the term "comprising" refers to other embodiments consisting of "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" the referenced components.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the term "or" as used herein should be understood to be inclusive. Unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, as used herein, the terms "a", "an", "and" and "the" are understood to be singular or plural.

[0046] Unless otherwise specified or apparent from the context, as used herein, the term "about" is to be understood as being within the normal tolerance range in the art, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" may be understood as being within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "about".

[0047] The recitation of a list of chemical groups in any definition of a variable herein includes definitions of the variable as any single group or combination of the listed groups. The recitation of an embodiment for a variable or aspect herein includes the embodiment as any single embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment or portion thereof.

[0048] All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0049] Preleaching compositions and bioleaching compositions

[0050] The present invention provides a bioleaching composition comprising one or more metal solubilizers and an adjuvant or performance enhancer for one or more metal solubilizers, wherein the adjuvant is a biosurfactant-producing microorganism and / or a biosurfactant.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the composition includes a biosurfactant and one or more metal solubilizers, wherein the metal solubilizer is an acid, an oxidant, an acid-oxidant mixture, or a microbial leaching agent, and wherein the biosurfactant acts as an acid leaching promoter, a biooxidation promoter, and / or a bioleaching promoter.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises a microbial-based product comprising a biosurfactant used in a roughened form. In addition to the biosurfactant, the roughened form may also include a fermentation broth of a microorganism that cultivates the biosurfactant, residual microbial cell material or live or inactive microbial cells, residual nutrients and / or other microbial growth byproducts. The product may be, for example, at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% broth by weight. The amount of biomass in the product may be, for example, any range of 0% to 100% by weight, including all percentages between 0% and 100%.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the invention provides a pre-leaching composition comprising a component derived from a microorganism. In certain embodiments, the pre-leaching composition comprises a microbial biosurfactant. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a biosurfactant, and optionally one or more chemical surfactants, pine oil, xanthate, or any combination thereof.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the preleaching composition includes a microbial-based product including a biosurfactant used in a roughened form. In addition to the biosurfactant, the roughened form may also include a fermentation broth of a microorganism that cultivates and produces a biosurfactant, residual microbial cell material or live or inactive microbial cells, residual nutrients and / or other microbial growth byproducts. The product may be, for example, at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% broth by weight. The amount of biomass in the product may be, for example, any range of 0% to 100%, including all percentages between 0% and 100%, by weight.

[0055] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant may be included in the preleaching composition in a ratio of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the preleaching composition.

[0056] In another embodiment, a purified biosurfactant may be added to the pre-leach composition, optionally together with an acceptable carrier, as the biosurfactant may be present in a concentration of 0.001% to 50% (v / v), preferably 0.01% to 20% (v / v), and more preferably 0.02% to 5% (v / v).

[0057] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant can be included in the preleaching composition at a concentration of, for example, 0.01 ppm to 100,000 ppm, 0.05 ppm to 10,000 ppm, 0.1 ppm to 1,000 ppm, 0.5 ppm to 750 ppm, 1.0 ppm to 500 ppm, 2.0 ppm to 250 ppm, or 3.0 ppm to 100 ppm, relative to the amount of metal source being treated.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the chemical surfactant of the preleaching composition is a detergent, a wetting agent, an emulsifier, a foaming agent and / or a dispersant. In some embodiments, the chemical surfactant can be included in the preleaching composition in a ratio of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25% or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the preleaching composition.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the pine oil of the pre-leaching composition comprises alpha-terpineol, terpene alcohol, terpene hydrocarbon, terpene ether, terpene ester, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the pine oil may be included in the composition in a ratio of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the pre-leaching composition.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the xanthate of the pre-leaching composition is sodium ethyl xanthate, potassium ethyl xanthate, sodium isopropyl xanthate, sodium isobutyl xanthate, potassium amyl xanthate, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the xanthate may be included in the composition in a ratio of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the pre-leaching composition.

[0061] The pre-leaching composition may also include other additives such as carriers, other microbial-based compositions, additional biosurfactants, enzymes, catalysts, solvents, salts, buffers, chelating agents, acids, emulsifiers, lubricants, solubility modifiers, preservatives, stabilizers, UV inhibitors, viscosity modifiers, preservatives, tracers, antimicrobials and other microorganisms and other ingredients specific to the intended use.

[0062] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant is used after extraction and optional purification from the fermentation broth.

[0063] In certain preferred embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises an aqueous solution of a biosurfactant. The biosurfactant may be present in the solution in a proportion of, for example, less than 1% to more than 10%.

[0064] As used herein, "surfactant" refers to a compound that reduces the surface tension (or interfacial tension) between two liquids or between a liquid and a solid. Surfactants act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents and / or dispersants, among others. "Biosurfactants" are surface-active substances produced by living cells and / or using substrates of natural origin. Like chemical surfactants, each biosurfactant molecule has a hydrophobic lipophilic balance (HLB) value that depends on its structure; however, unlike the production of chemical surfactants, which produces a single molecule with a single HLB value or range, a biosurfactant production cycle typically produces a mixture of biosurfactant molecules (e.g., subtypes and isomers thereof).

[0065] Biosurfactants are a group of structurally diverse surface-active substances, which consist of two parts: a polar (hydrophilic) part and a non-polar (hydrophobic) group. Due to their amphiphilic structure, biosurfactants can increase the surface area of ​​hydrophobic insoluble substances, improve the water bioavailability of these substances, and change the properties of bacterial cell surfaces, etc. Biosurfactants can also reduce the interfacial tension between water and oil, thereby reducing the hydrostatic pressure required to move the entrained liquid to overcome the capillary effect. Biosurfactants accumulate at the interface, thereby reducing the interfacial tension and causing the formation of aggregated micelle structures in the solution. The formation of micelles provides a physical mechanism for moving oil in the aqueous phase, etc. The phrases "biosurfactants" and "biosurfactant molecules" include all forms, analogs, homologs, isomers, and natural and / or artificial modifications of any biosurfactant class (e.g., glycolipids) and / or its subtypes (e.g., sophorolipids).

[0066] Typically, the hydrophilic group of a biosurfactant is a sugar (e.g., monosaccharide, disaccharide, or polysaccharide) or a peptide, while the hydrophobic group is usually a fatty acid. Therefore, there are countless variations of biosurfactant molecules, depending on factors such as the type of sugar, the number of sugars, the size of the peptide, the amino acids contained in the peptide, the length of the fatty acid, the degree of saturation of the fatty acid, additional acetylation, additional functional groups, esterification, polarity, and the charge of the molecule.

[0067] These changes lead to the formation of a group of molecules useful according to the methods of the present invention, including a variety of categories, such as glycolipids (such as sophorolipids, rhamnolipids, cellobiose lipids, mannoerythritol lipids and gum glycolipids, etc.), lipopeptides (such as surfactin, iturin, fengycin, sedative and / or lichenin, etc.), flavonoids, phospholipids (such as cardiolipin), fatty acid esters (such as cardiolipin), trypsin (such as trypsin), chymosin (such as chymosin), trypsin (such as chymosin) and chymosin, flavonoid lipids, phospholipids (such as cardiolipin), fatty acid ester compounds and high molecular weight polymers (such as lipoproteins, lipopolysaccharide-protein complexes and polysaccharide-protein-fatty acid complexes, etc.). Each biosurfactant in each category can also include subtypes with further modified structures.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present invention, the acid leaching promoter, bioleaching promoter, eco-oxidation promoter and / or biosurfactant is a "sophorolipid", "sophorolipid molecule", "SLP" or "SLP molecule" including all forms thereof and isomers thereof. The SLP molecule may be, for example, an acidic (linear) SLP (ASL) and / or a lactone SLP (LSL). Other SLPs may be used alone or together with ASL and / or LSL, and include monoacetylated SLP, diacetylated SLP, esterified SLP, SLP with different hydrophobic chain lengths, cationic and / or anionic SLPs connected to fatty acid-amino acid complexes, esterified SLPs, SLP salt derivatives (e.g., sodium salts of linear SLPs) and / or other types of SLPs. These biosurfactants are all environmentally friendly.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the ASL and LSL molecules employed are represented by the following general formula (1) and / or general formula (2), and are obtained as a collection of 30 or more structural homologs having different fatty acid chain lengths (R 3 ). In addition, in some cases, the ASL and LSL molecules used are 1 and / or R 2 Acetylation or protonation can be performed.

[0070]

[0071] In formula (1) or (2), R may be a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. 1 and R 2 One or two of them are independently a hydrogen atom or an acetyl group. 3 is a saturated hydrocarbon chain, an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain or a multiply unsaturated hydrocarbon chain which may have one or more substituents. 3 Substituents on one or more of any carbons in the 1-6 Alkyl, halogen substituted C1-6 Alkyl, hydroxy substituted C 1-6 Alkyl or halogen substituted C 1-6 Alkoxy. 3 Typically has 11 to 20 carbon atoms or any subset thereof, such as 13 to 17 carbon atoms or 14 to 16 carbon atoms. 4 Can be hydrogen, alkali metal or C 1-6 alkyl.

[0072] SLP is usually produced by yeast, such as Starmerella (Candida) bombicola, Candida apicola, Candida batista, Candida floridula, Candida riodos, Candida astral and / or Candida magna. SLP has environmental compatibility, high biodegradability, low toxicity, high selectivity and specific activity under a wide range of temperature, pH and salinity conditions. In addition, in some embodiments, SLP has an advantage due to its smaller micelle size, which helps to promote the movement of micelles and compounds enclosed therein through nanoscale pores and spaces. In certain embodiments, the micelle size of SLP is less than about 100 μm, less than about 10 μm, less than about 1 μm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50 nm, less than about 20 nm, less than about 15 nm, less than about 10 nm, less than about 5 nm or less than about 2 nm.

[0073] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant may be included in the bioleaching composition in a ratio of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the bioleaching composition.

[0074] In some embodiments, the biosurfactant can be included in the bioleaching composition at a concentration of, for example, 0.01 ppm to 100,000 ppm, 0.05 ppm to 10,000 ppm, 0.1 ppm to 1,000 ppm, 0.5 ppm to 750 ppm, 1.0 ppm to 500 ppm, 2.0 ppm to 250 ppm, or 3.0 ppm to 100 ppm, relative to the amount of metal source being treated.

[0075] In another embodiment, the purified biosurfactant may be added in a bioleaching combination with an acceptable carrier, as the biosurfactant may be present in a concentration of 0.001% to 50% (v / v), preferably 0.01% to 20% (v / v), and more preferably 0.02% to 5% (v / v).

[0076] In certain specific embodiments, the bioleaching composition or preleaching composition includes a mixture of ASL and one or more other SLP molecules, such as LSL. In one embodiment, the percentage of ASL in the composition is about 20% to 50%, or 25% to 30% (where 100% is the sum of the molecular weights of SLP). In one embodiment, the percentage of ASL relative to the sum of the SLP molecules is greater than 50%. In another embodiment, the percentage of ASL relative to the sum of the SLP molecules is greater than 75%, greater than 90%, or greater than 99%.

[0077] To achieve a higher ratio of ASL to LSL and / or other SLP molecules, the mixture can be purified by, for example, solvent extraction, alkaline hydrolysis, water washing, oil washing, and / or as described in International Patent Publication WO 2021 / 127339 A1. This International Patent Publication is incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] In some embodiments, the bioleaching or preleaching composition includes other components, such as cell matter, broth components, residual raw materials (such as fatty acids, glucose) and / or additional metabolites from SLP-producing microorganisms. The concentration of these additional metabolites is 50% to 0.001%, 40% to 1% or 25% to 5% of the total composition volume. In certain embodiments, one or more of these additional components contribute to the activity of the bioleaching composition compared to the activity of the bioleaching composition including a high-purity biosurfactant mixture. These biosurfactant mixtures contain, for example, less than 15%, less than 10%, less than 5% or less than 1% of non-SLP materials and / or components.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises an acid. In some embodiments, the acid is an organic acid, such as acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, butyric acid, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, propionic acid, ascorbic acid, glyoxylic acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid and / or their analogs. In certain embodiments, the acid is selected from an inorganic acid, such as sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, boric acid and their analogs. In a preferred embodiment, the acid is a strong acid, such as sulfuric acid.

[0080] In some embodiments, the acid may be included in the composition in a proportion of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, or 2.0% to 15% by weight relative to the total amount of the bioleaching composition.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the bioleaching composition comprises an oxidant. In some embodiments, the oxidant is such as ferric chloride, chlorine, bromine or oxygen. The oxidant may also be selected from, for example, iron salts (usually iron sulfate), or iron salts with an anion equivalent of an acid in fully dissociated form.

[0082] In some embodiments, the oxidant may be included in the composition in a proportion of 0.01% to 99.9%, 0.1% to 90%, 0.5% to 80%, 0.75% to 70%, 1.0% to 50%, 1.5% to 25%, 2.0% to 15%, or less than about 7.0% by weight relative to the total amount of the bioleaching composition.

[0083] The bioleaching composition may also include other components, such as carriers, other microbial-based compositions, additional biosurfactants or chemical surfactants, other leaching agents (e.g., cyanide, microbial leaching agents), enzymes, catalysts, solvents, salts, buffers, chelating agents, acids, emulsifiers, lubricants, solubility regulators, preservatives, stabilizers, UV inhibitors, viscosity regulators, preservatives, tracers, antimicrobial agents, other microorganisms and other ingredients for specific intended uses.

[0084] Preleaching method

[0085] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for extracting impurities from a metal source. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for removing impurities from a metal source, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (i) obtaining the metal source, the metal source comprising a metal and an impurity; (ii) contacting the preleach composition according to the present invention with the metal source for a period of time to produce a mixture comprising a treated metal source and impurities; and (iii) separating the impurities and the preleach composition from the metal in the mixture. The method can be performed in situ, in a heap leach pad, in a tower, or in any other laboratory or industrial scale reactor.

[0086] In some embodiments, step (i) comprises: grinding the obtained metal source into a fine powder. The particle diameter in the powder can be less than about 1m, about 75cm, about 50cm, about 25cm, about 10cm, about 75mm, about 50mm, about 25mm, about 10mm, about 5mm, about 1mm, about 100μm, about 10μm, about 1μm, about 100nm, about 10nm, about 1nm.

[0087] In some embodiments, step (ii) comprises applying a pre-leaching composition comprising a biosurfactant, and optionally water, other surfactants, pine oil and xanthate to the metal source. In certain embodiments, air may be pumped into the mixture, and the metal and biosurfactant may rise to the top of the mixture, thereby generating foam. In some embodiments, the foam may be removed, and tailings or other non-metallic components may be removed from the mixture. Step (ii) may be repeated as many times as desired to reduce to a desired impurity content.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the time period of step (ii) is from 1 minute to 48 hours, from about 30 minutes to 40 hours, or preferably from about 12 hours to 24 hours. In certain embodiments, step (ii) comprises applying the preleaching composition in liquid form to the metal source to produce a liquid mixture, and agitating or otherwise stirring the liquid mixture for a period of time.

[0089] In some embodiments, when step (ii) is performed in a liquid, the impurity is present in an aqueous phase and the metal floats in a froth above the aqueous phase that can be removed from the liquid.

[0090] In some embodiments, step (iii) comprises applying a leaching solution and optionally mixing under stirring (e.g., shaking or agitation) for a period of time (e.g., 10 hours to 48 hours). The leaching solution will include impurities, the pre-leaching composition, and the metal to be removed from the fluid.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the method comprises: (a) obtaining a metal source comprising a metal and impurities; (b) applying the preleaching composition according to the present invention to the metal source under stirring for a period of time to produce a mixture comprising a treated metal source and impurities; (c) preparing a slurry of the metal source in water and maintaining the slurry under stirring and air bubbling to form a foam comprising the treated metal source and a water layer comprising impurities; and (e) separating the treated metal from the water layer.

[0092] In some embodiments, step (e) comprises applying a leaching solution to the mixture, optionally under agitation (e.g., shaking or stirring) for a period of time (e.g., about 10 hours to about 48 hours). The leaching solution will include the impurities, the pre-leaching composition, and the metal to be removed from the fluid.

[0093] The methods of the present invention can be performed at ambient temperature and / or at a temperature of about 15° C. to about 50° C., about 20° C. to about 40° C., about 20° C. to about 35° C., about 20° C. to about 30° C., about 25° C., about 40° C. to about 120° C., about 50° C. to about 100° C., about 60° C. to about 100° C., about 70° C. to about 100° C., about 80° C. to about 100° C., or about 100° C. In certain embodiments, temperatures above ambient temperature can be provided using, for example, microwaves, ultrasound, induction heating, plasma, electricity, or any combination thereof.

[0094] The process of the present invention may be carried out at ambient pressure and / or at a pressure of about 50 bar, 75 bar, 100 bar or greater than 100 bar.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the amount of preleak composition applied is about 0.1% to 15%, about 0.1% to 10%, about 0.1% to 5%, about 0.1% to 3%, about 0.1%, or about 1 vol% based on the amount of metal-containing material.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the methods of the present invention result in a reduction of at least 25%, preferably at least 50%, of impurity content after one treatment.In some embodiments, the metal source may be treated multiple times to further reduce the impurity content.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the pre-leaching composition according to the present invention is effective due to the penetration of the metal source mediated by amphiphilic molecules. In some embodiments, sophorolipids or other biosurfactants are used as carriers that facilitate metal transport. For example, in some embodiments, sophorolipids will form micelles containing metals, wherein the size of the micelles is less than about 100 μm, less than about 10 μm, less than about 1 μm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 50 nm, less than about 25 nm, less than about 15 nm, less than about 10 nm, less than about 5 nm or less than about 2 nm. The small size and amphiphilicity of the micelles allow for enhanced penetration of the metal source, thereby allowing greater contact with the metal therein.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method includes crushing, grinding or pulverizing the metal source into smaller particles, such as particles having a diameter less than about 1 m, about 75 cm, about 50 cm, about 25 cm, about 10 cm, about 75 mm, about 50 mm, about 25 mm, about 10 mm, about 5 mm, about 1 mm, about 100 μm, about 10 μm, about 1 μm, about 500 nm, about 100 nm, about 50 nm, about 10 nm, about 5 nm, about 1 nm, prior to treatment with the preleaching composition.

[0099] In some embodiments, the metal source is obtained from a ore deposit or other source in the form of raw materials. This raw material form may include additional materials or coal gangue. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the method may also include treating the metal source with the preleaching composition of the present invention while obtaining the metal source, and / or after treating the metal source with the preleaching composition, subjecting the metal source to one or more beneficiation processes. One or more beneficiation processes may include crushing, washing, cleaning, screening, flotation and / or hydrocyclone. In certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention can be used for one or more beneficiation processes, such as flotation. The composition of the present invention can be added to the composition for flotation. In addition, the composition of the present invention can replace or reduce the use of one or more components of the composition for flotation, such as chemical surfactants.

[0100] Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the pre-leaching compositions according to the present invention provide enhanced or improved efficiency in removing impurities from metals while having limited negative impacts on the environment. In addition, the methods of the present invention do not require complex equipment or high energy consumption, and the pre-leaching compositions can be produced on-site, such as metal recovery facilities, mines, or leaching sites. In certain embodiments, the pre-leaching compositions of the present invention can result in reduced use of chemical surfactants or other potentially harmful chemicals in metal processing processes. In addition, the metal materials with reduced impurities produced according to the present invention can be used to produce more environmentally friendly metal products.

[0101] Bioleaching method

[0102] The present invention provides compositions and methods for removing and / or separating metals from tailings, slag or other metal sources. The leaching process is enhanced by incorporating a biosurfactant into the present bioleaching composition. In certain embodiments, the bioleaching process may be performed after performing a preleaching process. In alternative embodiments, the bioleaching process is performed instead of a preleaching process.

[0103] The bioleaching process can be carried out in situ, in heap leach pads, towers or any other laboratory or industrial scale reactor.Metals are usually present in ores in the form of insoluble salts such as sulfides, oxides, silicates, carbonates or mixed anion salts.

[0104] In some embodiments, the presence of a metal solubilizing agent, such as a strong acid / oxidant aqueous solution or a weak acid / oxidant aqueous solution, in the bioleaching composition helps convert insoluble metal salts into soluble metal salts that dissolve in water. In an exemplary embodiment, the strong acid can be sulfuric acid, but other acids can also be used. The oxidizing agent can be, for example, an iron salt, typically ferric sulfate, or an iron salt having an anionic equivalent of the acid in fully dissociated form.

[0105] Typically, the metal source is crushed or ground to increase the surface area, although the generation of large numbers of fine particles can be problematic because they can aggregate and lead to undesirable pathways when a percolation process is employed. Smaller particles generally produce higher metal yields in shorter process times, although the favorable throughput and yield must be balanced against the increased energy and cost of generating finer particles.

[0106] The process can, but need not, be carried out at elevated temperatures. Temperatures of about 60°C to about 150°C or higher can be used. Advantageously, the present invention is useful even at the lower end of this range, for example from 60°C to 90°C.

[0107] The bioleaching composition may be stirred to accelerate the process. The flow may be upward, downward, or countercurrent. The reactor may be stirred to facilitate the reaction, wherein the stirring is performed by bubbling of reactive or inert gases, agitation, ultrasonic mixing, piezoelectric stirring, or any other mixing or stirring means.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the solution comprising the soluble metal can be separated from the non-solution phase by, for example, decantation, filtration, centrifugation, or any combination thereof.

[0109] When a reducing agent (usually another metal such as iron) is added in a subsequent separation step to promote precipitation of the fine-grained metal, the amounts of acid and oxidant can be controlled to optimize metal precipitation. Alternatively, the metal sulfate solution is electrolyzed to plate out the metal.

[0110] Specific embodiments of the present invention relate to the generation and removal of metals from ores, tailings, slags or other sources of one or more target metals, wherein the metals are leached from the source in the form of water-soluble salts. The metals are typically present in the ore as reduced metals, such as, but not limited to, gold. The metals are oxidized in the aqueous phase to metal cyanide salts in the presence of a leaching agent, aqueous alkali metal, alkaline earth metal cyanide or hydrocyanic acid aqueous solution.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method includes crushing, grinding or pulverizing the ore into smaller particles to increase the surface area, etc. For example, grinding can obtain particles with a size of less than about 500 μm or any other size, such as but not limited to about 100 μm, before contacting with the leaching solution containing the biosurfactant. In other embodiments, the biosurfactant or a solution containing the biosurfactant is added to the ore during the crushing of the ore. The aqueous solution can be of any pH value to structurally or chemically enhance the crushing and surface treatment or conversion, thereby enhancing leaching. In some embodiments, the target metal in a reduced state will not be oxidized, but the matrix embedded therein will be degraded to release the target metal as a solid non-solution phase.

[0112] Biosurfactants can improve this process by stabilizing the liquid-solid interface and accelerating chemical exchange at the liquid-solid interface. In some embodiments, biosurfactants can form complexes with metal ions to accelerate the desorption of metal ions from the particle surface. Biosurfactants promote the conversion of any passive metal sulfide layer through their oxidation and displacement from the surface to enhance the penetration of the acidic oxidant into the ore particles.

[0113] The use of biosurfactants minimizes excess acid and oxidants during the leaching process. It also accelerates the process by improving the liquid-solid interface. The result of inclusion can be increased efficiency. Where economically advantageous, temperature and pressure can be reduced as an alternative to increase throughput and production.

[0114] Biosurfactants may be added to accelerate the process and / or increase yield by stabilizing the liquid-solid interface to oxidize sulfides to soluble metal sulfates in any process including the following:

[0115] BioNIC: Microorganisms are used with water and air to leach soluble metals, typically from agitated tanks of ores containing iron sulfide to provide a source of iron ions.

[0116] Intec Nickel Process (INP): A process carried out in a heated water suspension of sulphide ores (primarily nickel, copper or cobalt) with halides acting as oxidants.

[0117] CESL nickel process: Leaching copper and other metals from sulfide ores in the presence of acid and oxygen at a slightly elevated temperature of about 150°C and a pressure of about 1,400 kPa.

[0118] Activox process: ultrafine grinding is used to activate the mineral surface for oxidative leaching at about 100°C to about 110°C and about 1,000kPa, and the solubilization of metals such as copper, nickel, and cobalt is used to break up the sulfide matrix to increase the concentration of gold, silver, and platinum in the leaching residue for recovery.

[0119] The FLSmidth Rapid Oxidative Leaching (ROL) process is a mechanochemical process in which sulphide ores are treated at approximately 80°C and atmospheric pressure using acidic iron sulphate and oxygen flow with inter-stage and / or intra-stage attrition.

[0120] The metal separated in the solution phase and the metal isolated in the non-solution phase formed in the process may be different metals; or in some cases, depending on the solubilizing agent, the metal separated in the solution phase and the metal isolated in the non-solution phase formed in the process may be the same metal. For example, in some cases, Au can be separated from the solution phase, and in other cases, Au can be separated from the non-solution phase. Common exemplary solution phase release metals include, but are not limited to, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Ur, Mn, Li, Al and Sn. Non-solution phase separable metals or non-metals include, but are not limited to, Au, Ag, Pt and graphite. These metals can be separated faster and / or with higher yields by adding biosurfactants, and their addition extends to traditional biomimetic technologies and evolving biomimetic technologies.

[0121] In one embodiment, gold mining using the cyanide process can be improved by using a biosurfactant. The efficiency of exposing the gold surface to the cyanide solution by the biosurfactant can minimize the amount of cyanide required to generate Au(CN)2, while leaving little or no residual Au or cyanide in the leaching system. In other embodiments, the gold remains in a reduced form when the embodiment employs an acid and an oxidant to remove the matrix from the reduced metal to release the gold particles in the non-solution phase.

[0122] In some embodiments, hydrochloric acid / nitric acid (aqua regia) or other acids or acid mixtures can be used to acid-leach heavy metals in contaminated soil in the presence of biosurfactants. Heavy metals that are advantageously removed from soil by adding biosurfactants include, but are not limited to, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, Hg, and Zn.

[0123] In the embodiment of the present invention in which bioleaching is performed, the solubilizing agent used is not a chemical substance but a microorganism that produces the desired chemical substance, which microorganism may be the following: Acetobacter metanolicus, Brucella, Acinomucor, Acinomucor sp., Alternaria, Arthrobacter, Aspergillus amsterdamiensis, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus fig, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Bacillus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus polymyxa, Brettanomyces lambicus, Candida, Cerostamella sp., Chlorella, Chromobacterium violaceum, Resin Ascomycetes, Clostridium, Coriolus versicolor, Corynebacterium, Immaturus, Cunninghamella, Fusarium, Galionella, Brown Pleurotus, Leptospirilum ferroomidan, Leptospirillum thermophilum, thermoferrooxidan), Leptotrix sp., Metallogenium sp., Diligent Gold Coccus, Mucor sp., Penicillium variotii, Penicillium breviscompactum, Penicillium arcus, Penicillium funiculosum, Penicillium ochraceum, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium simlicissimum, Penicillium variotii, Pseudomonas putida, Rhizopus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans sub., Thermotolerans, Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans sub.), Clostridium sporogenes, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Sulfolobus ambivalens, Sulfolobus sulfometalate, Sulfolobus thermosulfidoxidans, Sulfolobus brierlei, Sulfolobus yellowstonii, Sulfolococcus, Thermothrix thipara, Thiobacillus, Thiobacillus acidocaldarius, Thiobacillus alberta, Thiobacillus capsulatus, Thiobacillus corrodens, Thiobacillus cupreus, Thiobacillus delicatus, Thiobacillus denitrificans, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus intermedia, Thiobacillus stringy, Thiobacillus naplesii, Thiobacillus neoformans, Thiobacillus organoparus, Thiobacillus metabolicus incomplete, Thiobacillus prosperous, Thiobacillus red rubellus, Thiobacillus tepidarius, Thiobacillus thiocynoxidans, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus thiopyranosus, Thiobacillus thiopyranosus, Thiobacillus pluripotenti, Trametes versicolor, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Yarrowia lipolytica, or any bacteria, fungi, or archaea that can produce acids, iron salts, or cyanide.

[0124] In certain embodiments, a method for separating finely released target metals from waste gangue using froth flotation is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes: obtaining the target metal from the ore by, for example, crushing and grinding the ore to release mineral particles; applying a collector to the released target metal particles, wherein the collector changes the surface properties of the target metal, selectively binds to the surface and renders the metal particles hydrophobic; aerating the released particles in a flotation cell containing water to produce bubbles, wherein the particles adhere to the particles and float on the surface in the form of froth, and wherein the waste gangue remains below the surface; and separating the froth from the water so that the target metal can be further refined.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the collector is a biosurfactant of the present invention. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, the biosurfactant changes the surface properties of the target metal, selectively binds to the surface and imparts hydrophobicity to the metal to promote the adhesion of the gas bubbles. In addition, the use of biosurfactants as collectors can reduce and / or eliminate the need for traditional collectors, such as xanthates (alkyl dithiocarbonates), dithiophosphonates, and thiocarbamates. These collectors are typically petroleum-derived, toxic, harmful, and / or non-biodegradable collectors.

[0126] Target Metals and Minerals

[0127] Examples of target metals that can be extracted using the methods of the present invention, as well as examples of ores and / or minerals that produce and / or contain target metals, include, but are not limited to, cobalt (e.g., erythritol, skytterudite, pyrocobaltite, cobaltite, pyrocobaltite, and cobaltite (cobaltite)); copper (e.g., chalcopyrite, chalcocite, bornite, chalcocite, malachite, azurite, chrysocolla, cuprite, tenorite, native copper, and hydrous copper sulfate); gold (e.g., native gold, argillite, telluride, tellurite, tellurite, tellurite, tellurite, and tellurite); silver (e.g., sulfide argillite); argentite), sulfide chalcocite, native silver, sulfonate, deep red silver, light red silver, horn silver, tetrahedrite); aluminum (e.g., bauxite, gibbsite, boehmite, diaspore); antimony (e.g., stibnite); barium (e.g., barite, barium carbonate); cesium (e.g., cesium garnet); chromium (e.g., chromite); cadmium (e.g., sphalerite, cadmium sulfide, cadmium sulfide, stibnite, silver lead ore); iron (e.g., hematite, magnetite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, goethite, siderite); lead (e.g., galena, cerussite, lead sulfate); lithium (e.g., pegmatite, spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, lepidolite, lithium carbonate); magnesium (e.g., dolomite, magnesite, brucite, carnallite, olivine); manganese (e.g., hausmannite, pyrolusite, limonite, manganese ore, rhodochrosite); mercury (e.g., cinnabar ); molybdenum (e.g., molybdenite); nickel (e.g., pentlandite, pyrrhotite, garnetite); phosphorus (e.g., hydroxyapatite, fluorapatite, chloroapatite); platinum group (platinum, osmium, rhodium, ruthenium, palladium) (e.g., natural elements or alloys of platinum group members, arsenic platinum); potassium (e.g., potassium salts, anhydrous kainite); rare earth elements (cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, scandium, terbium, thulium, ytterbium, yttrium) (e.g., Such as bastnasite, monazite, cerium columbite); sodium (e.g., rock salt, soda ash); strontium (e.g., celestite, strontianite); sulfur (e.g., natural sulfur, pyrite); tin (e.g., cassiterite); titanium (e.g., scheelite, wolframite); uranium (e.g., uraninite, pitchblende, uraninite, kaolinite, calcite); vanadium; zinc (e.g., sphalerite, zinc sulfide, smithsonite, hemimorphite); and zirconium (e.g., zircon).

[0128] Other elements and / or minerals that may be extracted by the present invention include, for example, arsenic, berylite, bismuthinite, borax, colemanite, borax tetrahydrate, ulexite, sphalerite, rock salt, gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, iodine, columbite, columbite-tantalite, rubidium, quartz, diamond, garnets (almandine, pyrope and andradite), corundum, barite, calcite, clay, feldspars (e.g., orthoclase, microcline, albite); gemstones (e.g., diamond, ruby, sapphire); , emerald, aquamarine, kunzite); gypsum; perlite; sodium carbonate; zeolite; chabazite; clinoptilolite; mordenite; wollastonite; vermiculite; talc; pyrophyllite; graphite; kyanite; andalusite; muscovite; phlogopite; albite (menatite); magnetite; dolomite; ilmenite; wolframite; beryllium; tellurium; bismuth; technetium; potash; mineral salts; sodium chloride; sodium sulfate; nahcolite; niobium; tantalum, and any combination of such substances or compounds containing such substances.

[0129] Production of microbial-based products

[0130] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides methods for cultivating microorganisms and generating microbial metabolites and / or other byproducts of microbial growth. The present invention further utilizes culture methods suitable for cultivating microorganisms and generating microbial metabolites at a desired scale. These culture processes include, but are not limited to, liquid culture / fermentation, solid state fermentation (SSF) and modifications, hybrids and / or combinations thereof.

[0131] Microorganisms can be bacteria, yeast and / or fungi, etc. These microorganisms can be natural microorganisms or genetically modified microorganisms. For example, microorganisms can be transformed with specific genes to show specific characteristics. Microorganisms can be mutants of desired strains. As used herein, "mutant" refers to a strain, genetic variant or subtype of a standard bacterium, wherein the mutant has one or more genetic variation forms (e.g., point mutation, missense mutation, nonsense mutation, deletion, duplication, frameshift mutation or amplification mutation) compared to the standard bacterium. The procedures for preparing mutants are well known in the field of microbiology. For example, UV mutagenesis and nitrosoguanidine are widely used for this purpose.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the microorganism is capable of producing amphiphilic molecules, enzymes, proteins and / or biopolymers. Microbial biosurfactants are particularly produced by a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and yeasts, including, for example, Agrobacterium (e.g., Agrobacterium radiobacterium); Arthrobacter; Aspergillus; Atractylodis (e.g., Atractylodis budding); Azotobacter (e.g., Azotobacter vinelandii, Azotobacter tomentosa); Azospirillum (e.g., Azospirillum brasiliensis); Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-68031, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-67928, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus laterosporus, Bacillus megaterium); Blakeslea; Candida (e.g., Candida albicans, Candida rugosa, Candida albicans, Candida lipolytica, Candida glabrata); Clostridium (e.g., Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, Clostridium acetobutylicum, and Clostridium beijerinckii); Campylobacter; Corynebacterium; Cryptococcus; Debaryomyces (e.g., Debaryomyces hansenii); Entomophthora; Flavobacterium; Gordonia; Hansenula; Hansenula sporangiophora (e.g., Hansenula viticola); Issatchenia; Kluyveromyces; Meyeria (e.g., Meyeria guillemot); Mortierella; Mycorrhiza; Branching Bacillus; Nocardia; Pichia (e.g., Pichia anomala, Pichia guilliermondii, Pichia occidentalis, Pichia kudriavzevii); Phycomyces; Pythium; Pseudomonas (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas fragariae, Pseudomonas syringae); Saccharomyces (e.g., Candida); Ralstonia (e.g., Alcaligenes eutrophus); Rhodococcus (e.g., Rhodococcus erythrorhizium); Rhodospirilla (e.g., Rhodospirilla rubrum); Rhizobium; Rhizopus; Saccharomyces (e.g., budding yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae); Sphingomonas (e.g., Sphingomonas paucimobilis); Starmerella spp. (e.g., S. bombicola); Thraustochytrium; Torulopsis; Ustilago (e.g., Ustilago maydis); Wickhamia (e.g., Wickhamia anomala, Wickhamia anomala NRRL Y-68030); Pseudomonas saturnina; and / or Zygosaccharomyces (e.g., Zygosaccharomyces bailii).

[0133] In a preferred embodiment, the microorganism is Starmerella and / or Candida, for example, Starmerella (Candida) bombicola, Candida apicola, Candida batista, Candida inhabitans, Candida orydoides, Candida asteroides and / or Candida magna. In a specific embodiment, the microorganism is Starmerella (Candida) bombicola, for example, strain ATCC 22214.

[0134] In one embodiment, the composition comprises Bacillus subtilis NRRL B-68031 "B4". The culture of the B4 microorganism has been deposited at the Agricultural Research Institute Culture Collection-NRRL, 1815 N. University Street Peoria, Illinois 61604 U.S.A. The deposit has been assigned the deposit number of NRRL B-68031 by the depository and was deposited on May 6, 2021.

[0135] In one embodiment, the composition comprises Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-67928 "B.amy" The culture of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens "B.amy" microorganism has been deposited at the Agricultural Research Institute Culture Collection-NRRL, 1815 N. University Street Peoria, Illinois 61604 U.S.A. The deposit has been assigned the deposit number of NRRL B-67928 by the depository and was deposited on February 26, 2020.

[0136] In one embodiment, the composition comprises abnormal Wickham yeast NRRL Y-68030. The culture of the microorganism has been deposited at the Agricultural Research Institute Culture Collection-NRRL, 1815 N. University Street Peoria, Illinois 61604 U.S.A. The deposit has been assigned the deposit number of NRRL Y-68030 by the depository and was deposited on May 6, 2021.

[0137] As used herein, "fermentation" refers to the cultivation or growth of cells under controlled conditions. Growth can be aerobic or anaerobic. In a preferred embodiment, the microorganisms are grown using SSF and / or a modified form thereof.

[0138] In one embodiment, the invention provides materials and methods for generating biomass (e.g., living cellular material), extracellular metabolites (e.g., small molecules and excreted proteins), residual nutrients, and / or intracellular components (e.g., enzymes and other proteins).

[0139] The microbial growth vessel used according to the present invention can be any fermenter or culture reactor for industrial use. In one embodiment, the vessel can have functional controls / sensors or can be connected to functional controls / sensors to measure important factors in the culture process, such as pH, oxygen, pressure, temperature, humidity, microbial density and / or metabolite concentration, etc.

[0140] In another embodiment, the vessel can also monitor the growth of microorganisms in the container (e.g., measuring the number of cells and the stage of growth). Alternatively, daily samples can be taken from the vessel and counted by techniques known in the art (e.g., dilution plate technique). Dilution plate method is a simple technique for estimating the number of organisms in a sample. This technique can also provide an indicator by which different environments or treatments can be compared.

[0141] In one embodiment, the method comprises: supplementing the culture with a nitrogen source. The nitrogen source may be potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, ammonia, urea and / or ammonium chloride, etc. These nitrogen sources may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0142] The method can provide oxygenation for the growing culture. One embodiment utilizes the slow movement of air to remove low oxygen containing air and introduce oxygen containing air. In the case of submerged fermentation, the oxygen containing air can be ambient air supplemented daily by a mechanism including an impeller for mechanically agitating the liquid and an air distributor for supplying gas bubbles to the liquid to dissolve oxygen into the liquid.

[0143] The method may further comprise: supplementing the culture with a carbon source. The carbon source is typically a carbohydrate, such as glucose, sucrose, lactose, fructose, trehalose, mannose, mannitol and / or maltose; an organic acid, such as acetic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, propionic acid, malic acid, malonic acid and / or pyruvic acid; an alcohol, such as ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, isobutanol and / or glycerol; a fat and oil, such as soybean oil, rapeseed oil, maduka oil, rice bran oil, olive oil, corn oil, sesame oil and / or linseed oil. These carbon sources may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0144] In one embodiment, the growth factor and micronutrients of microorganisms are included in the culture medium. When the microorganisms of growth cannot generate all the vitamins they need, this is particularly preferred. Inorganic nutrients may also be included in the culture medium, and inorganic nutrients include trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum and / or cobalt. In addition, the source of vitamins, essential amino acids and trace elements can be included in the culture medium in the form of flour or meal (for example, corn flour) or in the form of extracts (for example, yeast extract, potato extract, beef extract, soybean extract, banana peel extract, etc.) or in purified form. The culture medium may also include amino acids, for example amino acids useful for the biosynthesis of proteins.

[0145] In one embodiment, the culture medium may also include inorganic salts. Available inorganic salts may be potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium chloride, ferric sulfate, ferric chloride, manganese sulfate, manganese chloride, zinc sulfate, lead chloride, copper sulfate, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and / or sodium carbonate. These inorganic salts may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0146] In some embodiments, the culturing method may further include adding additional acid and / or antimicrobial agents to the culture medium before and / or during the culturing process.Antimicrobial agents or antibiotics are used to protect the culture from contamination.

[0147] Additionally, antifoaming agents may be added to prevent the formation and / or accumulation of foam during submerged cultivation.

[0148] The pH of the mixture should be appropriate for the microorganisms of interest. Buffers and pH adjusters (e.g., carbonates and phosphates) can be used to stabilize the pH near the preferred value. When metal ions are present in high concentrations, it may be necessary to use chelating agents in the culture medium.

[0149] The microorganisms can grow in a planktonic form or in a biofilm form. If there is a biofilm, the vessel can have a substrate on which the microorganisms can grow in a biofilm state. The system can also have the ability to apply stimuli (e.g., shear stress) such as to stimulate and / or improve the growth characteristics of the biofilm.

[0150] In one embodiment, the method for culturing microorganisms is carried out at about 5° C. to about 100° C., preferably 15 to 60° C., more preferably 25 to 50° C. In another embodiment, the cultivation can be carried out continuously at a constant temperature. In another embodiment, the cultivation may be affected by temperature changes.

[0151] In one embodiment, the equipment used in the method and the culture process is a sterile device. Culture equipment (e.g., reactor / vessel) can be separated from a sterilizing device (e.g., autoclave), but connected thereto. Culture equipment can also have a sterilizing device, which sterilizes in situ before starting inoculation. Air can be sterilized by methods known in the art. For example, ambient air can pass through at least one filter before being introduced into the vessel. In other embodiments, culture medium can be pasteurized, or alternatively, heat is not added at all, wherein low water activity and low pH value can be utilized to control the growth of undesirable bacteria.

[0152] In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for producing microbial metabolites by culturing the microbial strain of the present invention under conditions suitable for growth and metabolite production, and optionally purifying the metabolites, the microbial metabolites being biosurfactants, enzymes, proteins, ethanol, lactic acid, β-glucan, peptides, metabolic intermediates, polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipids, etc. The content of the metabolites produced by the method can be at least 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%, etc.

[0153] Microbial growth byproducts produced by the microorganism of interest may be retained in the microorganism or secreted into the growth medium. The medium may include compounds that stabilize the activity of the microbial growth byproducts.

[0154] The biomass content of the fermentation medium may be from 5 g / l to 180 g / l or more, or from 10 g / l to 150 g / l, etc.

[0155] The cell concentration can be at least 1 x 10 6 Up to 1x 10 12 , 1x 10 7 Up to 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 8 Up to 1x10 10 , or 1x10 9 CFU / ml, etc.

[0156] The methods and apparatus for culturing microorganisms and producing microbial byproducts can be performed in a batch process, a quasi-continuous process, or a continuous process.

[0157] In one embodiment, all of the microbial culture composition is removed when the culture is complete (eg, when a desired cell density or density of a particular metabolite is reached). In this batch process, a completely new batch is started when the first batch is harvested.

[0158] In another embodiment, only a portion of the fermentation product is removed at any time. In this embodiment, the biomass with living cells, spores, conidia, hyphae and / or mycelium is retained in the vessel as an inoculant for a new culture batch. The removed composition can be a cell-free culture medium or comprise cells, spores or other propagation propagules and / or combinations thereof. In this way, a quasi-continuous system has been created.

[0159] Advantageously, the method does not require complex equipment or high energy consumption. The relevant microorganisms can be cultured and used on site on a small or large scale, even still mixed with their culture medium.

[0160] In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a "microorganism-based composition", which refers to a composition composed of components generated by the growth of microorganisms or other cell cultures. Therefore, the microorganism-based composition may include the microorganism itself and / or microorganism growth byproducts. The microorganism may be in an asexual state, in the form of spores, in the form of hyphae, in any other form of microbial propagules, or a mixture thereof. The microorganism may be a planktonic microorganism or a microorganism in the form of a biofilm, or a mixture of the two. The byproducts of growth may be, for example, metabolites, cell membrane components, expressed proteins, and / or other cell components. The microorganism may be a complete microorganism or a lysed microorganism. The microorganism may be present in the composition or removed from the composition. The microorganism may be present in the microorganism-based composition together with the broth in which they are cultured. For example, the cells may be at least 1x 10 per ml of the composition. 3 , 1x 10 4 , 1x 10 5 , 1x 10 6 , 1x 10 7 , 1x 10 8 , 1x 10 9 , 1x10 10 , 1x 10 11 , 1x 10 12 , 1x10 13 or more CFUs are present.

[0161] The present invention further provides "microorganism-based products", which are products that achieve the desired effect in practical applications. Microorganism-based products can be only microorganism-based compositions obtained from microbial culture processes. Alternatively, microorganism-based products may include further components that have been added. For example, these additional components may include nutrients such as stabilizers, acids, buffers, carriers (e.g., water, saline solutions or any other appropriate carriers), nutrients added to support further growth of microorganisms, non-nutritional growth promoters and / or agents that help track microorganisms and / or compositions in their application environments. Microorganism-based products may also include mixtures of microorganism-based compositions. Microorganism-based products may also include one or more components of microorganism-based compositions that have been processed in some way (such as, but not limited to, filtration, centrifugation, lysis, drying, purification, etc.).

[0162] A microbial-based product of the present invention comprises only a fermentation medium containing microorganisms and / or microbial metabolites produced by the microorganisms and / or any residual nutrients. The fermented product can be used directly without extraction or purification. If necessary, extraction and purification can be easily achieved using standard extraction and / or purification methods or techniques described in the literature.

[0163] The microorganisms in the microbial-based products can be in active or inactive form, and can also be somatic cells, reproductive spores, conidia, mycelium, hyphae or any other form of microbial propagation bodies. The microbial-based products can also include any combination of these forms of microorganisms.

[0164] In one embodiment, different strains of microorganisms are cultured separately and then mixed together to produce a microorganism-based product. The microorganisms may optionally be mixed with the medium in which they were grown and dried prior to mixing.

[0165] The microbial-based products can be used without further stabilization, preservation and storage. Advantageously, the direct use of these microbial-based products maintains high viability of the microorganisms, reduces the possibility of contamination by foreign agents and undesirable microorganisms, and maintains the activity of byproducts of microbial growth.

[0166] After the microbial composition is harvested from the growth container, other components may be added when the harvested product is placed in a vessel or otherwise transported for use. For example, the additive may be a buffer, a carrier, other microbial compositions produced in the same facility or in a different facility, a viscosity modifier, a preservative, nutrients for microbial growth, a surfactant, an emulsifier, a lubricant, a solubility modifier, a tracking agent, a solvent, a bactericide, an antibiotic, a pH adjuster, a chelating agent, a stabilizer, an anti-ultraviolet agent, other microorganisms, and other appropriate additives commonly used in such preparations.

[0167] Alternatively, the product may be stored prior to use. The storage time is preferably short. Thus, the storage time may be less than 60 days, 45 days, 30 days, 20 days, 15 days, 10 days, 7 days, 5 days, 3 days, 2 days, 1 day or 12 hours. In a preferred embodiment, if living cells are present in the product, the product is stored at low temperatures, such as below 20° C., 15° C., 10° C. or 5° C. In another aspect, the biosurfactant composition can generally be stored at ambient temperature.

[0168] Example

[0169] It should be understood that the embodiments and implementations described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications or changes based on these embodiments and implementations, and these modifications or changes should be included in the spirit and scope of the present application. In addition, any element or limitation of any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any and / or all other elements or limitations (alone or in any combination) or any other implementation herein, and all these combinations are within the scope of the present invention but are not limited thereto.

[0170] Example 1

[0171] Three surfactant reagents were tested:

[0172] TXS-L-050 - A highly purified mixture of SLP molecules, which contains 90% or more ASL relative to the total amount of SLP molecules; and contains 15% or less non-SLP materials and / or impurities relative to the volume of the mixture;

[0173] TXS-L-051 - a mixture of SLP molecules containing 90% or more ASL relative to the total amount of SLP molecules; and 40% or less non-SLP materials and / or impurities relative to the total volume of the mixture; and

[0174] TXS-L-052 - a mixture of SLP molecules containing about 25% to 30% ASL relative to the total amount of SLP molecules.

[0175] Leaching was performed in a MaxQ 4000 incubator / shaker, which is a temperature controlled device that both stirs the flask and maintains the temperature at the desired set point. Leaching conditions are shown in Table 1 below. Ferrous / ferrous are the oxidizing agents. Leaching agents were prepared in batches and all tests were performed simultaneously in the incubator / shaker to ensure continuity between tests.

[0176] Table 1 / Leaching conditions for stage 1

[0177]

[0178]

[0179] Four leaches were performed simultaneously in an incubator / shaker, each using the same leaching agent (prepared in batches) and 10.00 g of OREAS 901 Certified Reference Material (CRM) ore standard was used in each leaching.

[0180] One flask designated as the "control" flask had no surfactant reagent added, while the other three flasks had the same concentration (1%) of one of the three surfactants mentioned above. The leaching process lasted for 7 days. The flask weight, solution pH, Eh, and temperature were recorded for 4 of the 7 days for monitoring purposes. Figure 1 to Figure 2 The flask weight was used to determine the amount of evaporation approximately and the lost water was replaced with fresh deionized water after the pH / Eh readings were taken. The temperature was maintained at 60°C throughout the leaching process.

[0181] The feedstock is CRM OREAS 901, which is a low grade copper ore. It has a total copper content of 0.141%, of which 0.083% is acid soluble copper. The primary copper sulfide mineralization is chalcocite (Cu2S) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2). The feed analysis for balancing purposes was taken from the ore data package provided by the supplier OREAS.CA. Table 2 provides a snapshot of the raw ore analysis of the feed used in stage 1 leaching.

[0182] Table 2. Raw ore analysis (OREAS 901CRM)

[0183] sample Cu wt% Fe wt% S wt% Al wt% Co ppm Mg wt% Ni ppm OREAS 901 Feed 0.141 4.03 0.04 6.81 72.98 0.60 39.88

[0184] Table 3. Copper distribution in the feed CRM

[0185]

[0186]

[0187] After 7 days, leaching was terminated. The residue and liquid were sent for analysis to complete the mass balance. The solid analysis is shown in Table 4 below. The residue contained less metals such as copper and cobalt, while iron and sulfur were precipitated.

[0188] Table 4. Copper leaching results, residues and raw ore analysis

[0189]

[0190] Table 5 shows the mass quantifiable capabilities for the metal balance. Table 6 is generally favorable for the major elements (copper, iron, cobalt), with slight differences for aluminum, sulfur and magnesium.

[0191] Table 5. Metal balance quantifiable capabilities

[0192]

[0193] Overall, copper extraction increased with the addition of biosurfactant reagents. The biosurfactant labeled TXS-L-051 provided the greatest benefit to overall copper extraction compared to the control, followed by TXS-L-050.

[0194] Table 6. Total copper extraction rate

[0195]

[0196] The feed sample contained about 59% acid soluble copper (i.e., Cu Sol, Table 3). Since the leaching tests were conducted under acidic conditions (pH ~ 2) and provided a material with a fine grind size, we can assume that 100% of the Cu-Sol was leached within the 7-day leaching period. Therefore, the residue consisted of copper in the form of sulfides only. The test results showed that the biosurfactant reagent increased the sulfide leaching rate by up to 90% compared to the leaching results of the control test, as shown in Tables 7 and Figure 3 shown.

[0197] Table 7. Copper sulfide leaching rate

[0198]

[0199] Iron and elemental sulfur precipitation is a byproduct of leaching copper sulfides such as chalcopyrite and chalcocite using ferrous / ferrous iron as an oxidant under acidic conditions. In the experiments using biosurfactant reagents, the residues had high iron and sulfur contents.

[0200] Table 8. Iron and sulfur contents of residues

[0201]

[0202]

[0203] The copper-bearing sulfide minerals in the feed sample are a mixture of chalcocite and chalcopyrite in unknown proportions. In general, chalcocite has slower leaching kinetics than chalcopyrite due to the complexity of the chalcopyrite mineral structure. Elemental sulfur and iron hydroxysulfate minerals (e.g., jarosite) are known by-products of chalcopyrite leaching and are also considered by many to be the culprits for mineral surface passivation. The increase in elemental sulfur formation indicates the decomposition of sulfide minerals in the sample, and therefore indicates enhanced oxidation of copper sulfide minerals in the presence of the biosurfactant reagent.

Claims

1. A bioleaching composition comprising an aqueous solution of a biosurfactant and at least one metal solubilizing agent.

2. The bioleaching composition according to claim 1, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid biosurfactant (SLP).

3. The bioleaching composition of claim 2, wherein the SLP is a mixture of acidic SLP (ASL) and lactone SLP (LSL).

4. The bioleaching composition of claim 1, wherein the metal solubilizing agent comprises an acid and an oxidizing agent.

5. The bioleaching composition according to claim 4, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and / or hydrocyanic acid.

6. The bioleaching composition of claim 4, wherein the oxidizing agent is ferric chloride, chlorine, bromine and / or oxygen.

7. The bioleaching composition of claim 1, wherein the metal solubilizing agent comprises a microorganism.

8. The bioleaching composition according to claim 7, wherein the microorganism is selected from the following items: methanolic acetobacter, Brucella, cryptoacidophilus, actinobacter, Alternaria, Arthrobacter, Amsterdam Aspergillus, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus fig, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Bacillus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus polymyxa, Lambic yeast, Candida, Cereus, Chlorella, Chromobacterium violaceum, Resin Ascomycetes, Clostridium, Versicolor, Corynebacterium, Izumi, Cunninghamella, Fusarium, Galionella, Brown-flecked Fungus, Ferrooxidan Leptospira, Thermoferrophilic Iron-oxidizing Leptospira, Fibrotropheus, Aureobasidium, Diligent Aureobasidium, Mucor, Penicillium var. variabilis, Penicillium breviscompactum, Penicillium circumflexum, Penicillium cordiformis, Penicillium speciosum, Penicillium ochregreenum, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium simplex, Penicillium spinulosum, Penicillium var. variabilis, Yellow Psoralea corylifolia, Pichia pastoris, Pseudomonas putida, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Thermosulfur oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Thermosulfur oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Thermotolerant Bacteria, Thermosulfur oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Clostridium sporogenes, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, Sulfolobus yinyangensis, Sulfolobus sulfuriferus, Thermosulfur oxidizing Sulfolobus, Sulfolobus buchneri, Sulfolobus yellowstonei, Sulfococcus spp., Thermothorax sulfidus, Thiobacillus spp., Acidithiobacillus sulfidus, Alberta Thiobacillus, Thiobacillus capsulatus, Thiobacillus corrosus, Thiobacillus copper, Thiobacillus soft, Thiobacillus denitrifying, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Thiobacillus intermediate, Thiobacillus stringy, Thiobacillus Naples, Thiobacillus novel, Thiobacillus organo, Thiobacillus metabolicabilis, Thiobacillus prosperous, Thiobacillus red, Thiobacillus warm bath, Thiobacillus thiocyanate, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus excreting, Thiobacillus multipotent, Trametes versicolor, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride and Yarrowia lipolytica.

9. A bioleaching method, comprising: providing a particulate metal source including at least one target metal; The metal source is combined with a bioleaching composition comprising: Biosurfactants; and acid; mixing the combined metal source and the bioleaching composition; reacting the metal source with the bioleaching composition to form a solution and a non-solution phase containing a soluble metal; as well as The soluble metal-containing solution is separated from the non-solution phase.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid biosurfactant (SLP).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the SLP is an acidic SLP (ASL) and / or a lactone SLP (LSL).

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the acid is sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and / or hydrocyanic acid.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the bioleaching composition further comprises an oxidant.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the oxidizing agent is ferric chloride, chlorine, bromine and / or oxygen.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the soluble metal-containing solution includes the target metal.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the target metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, arsenic, cerium, cesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, germanium, gold, hafnium, holmium, indium, iridium, lanthanum, lead, lithium, lutetium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, neodymium, nickel, niobium, palladium, platinum, praseodymium, rhodium, rubidium, ruthenium, samarium, scandium, silver, tantalum, tellurium, terbium, thallium, tin, titanium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium, or any mixture thereof.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the non-solution phase comprises the target metal.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein the target metal is selected from gold, silver, platinum, or any mixture thereof.

19. The method of claim 9, wherein mixing comprises agitation, bubbling of reactive or inert gases, ultrasonic mixing, piezoelectric stirring, or any combination thereof.

20. The method of claim 9, wherein separating comprises decantation, filtration, centrifugation, or any combination thereof.

21. The method of claim 9, wherein the metal source is ore, tailings, slag, electronic waste, or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 9, wherein the particulate metal source comprises particles having a diameter of 10 mm or less.

23. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: Prior to contacting the metal source with the bioleaching composition, a pre-leaching composition comprising a biosurfactant is contacted with the metal source for a period of time to produce a mixture comprising a treated metal source and impurities.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the preleaching composition is in liquid form and the contacting comprises agitating, shaking and / or bubbling the mixture for about 1 minute to about 48 hours.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: The impurities and the treated metal source are separated from the mixture to obtain a material containing reduced impurity metal.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the impurities are present in a liquid phase, the material containing the reduced impurity metal is present in foam formed on a surface of the liquid, and the foam of the material containing the reduced impurity metal is removed from the liquid.

27. A bioleaching method, the method comprising: providing a particulate metal source including at least one target metal; combining the metal source with a bioleaching composition comprising a microorganism and a biosurfactant; mixing the combined metal source and the bioleaching composition; reacting the metal source with the bioleaching composition to form a solution and a non-solution phase containing a soluble metal; as well as The soluble metal-containing solution is separated from the non-solution phase.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the target metal is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, arsenic, cerium, cesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, germanium, gold, hafnium, holmium, indium, iridium, lanthanum, lead, lithium, lutetium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, neodymium, nickel, niobium, palladium, platinum, praseodymium, rhodium, rubidium, ruthenium, samarium, scandium, silver, tantalum, tellurium, terbium, thallium, tin, titanium, tungsten, uranium, vanadium, ytterbium, yttrium, zinc, zirconium, or any mixture thereof.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid biosurfactant (SLP).

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the SLP is an acidic SLP (ASL) and / or a lactone SLP (LSL).

31. The method of claim 27, wherein the microorganism catalyzes iron oxidation and the formation of sulfuric acid.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein the microorganism is Acetobacter methanolicae, Brucella, Cryptoacidophilus, Actinobacillus, Alternaria, Arthrobacter, Aspergillus Amsterdam, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus fig, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Bacillus, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus polymyxa, Brettanomyces lambicus, Candida, Cereus, Chlorella, Chromobacterium violaceum, Resin Ascomycetes, Clostridium, Versicolor, Corynebacterium, Izumi, Cunninghamella, Fusarium, Galionella, Brown-flecked Pseudomonas, Leptospira ferrooxidans, Leptospira thermophila, Fibrotropheus, Aureobacterium, Aureobacterium industris, Mucor, Penicillium variegata, Penicillium breviscompactum, Penicillium arcus, Penicillium funiculum, Penicillium speciosum, Penicillium ochregreenum, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium simplex, Penicillium microsporum, Penicillium variegata, and Prototrichum chrysosporium Leather fungi, Pichia, Pseudomonas putida, Rhizopus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Thermosulfur-oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Thermosulfur-oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Thermotolerant Bacteria, Thermosulfur-oxidizing Sulfobacillus, Clostridium sporogenes, Acidothermic Sulfolobus, Anorthophilic Sulfolobus, Sulfolobus sulfur minerabilis, Thermosulfur-oxidizing Sulfolobus, Sulfolobus buchneri, Sulfolobus yellowstonei, Sulfur Sulfococcus, Thermothorax sulfurphilus, Thiobacillus, Acidophilus Sulfobacillus, Alberta Thiobacillus, Capsular Thiobacillus, Erosion-fixing Thiobacillus, Copper Thiobacillus, Soft Thiobacillus, Denitrifying Thiobacillus, Ferrooxidans, Intermediate Thiobacillus, String-shaped Thiobacillus, Naples Thiobacillus, New Thiobacillus, Organ Thiobacillus, Metabolic Incomplete Thiobacillus, Prosperous Thiobacillus, Red Thiobacillus, Warm Bath Thiobacillus, Thiobacillus thiocyanate-oxidizing, Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Expelling Thiobacillus, Multipotent Thiobacillus, Trametes versicolor, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride and Yarrowia lipolytica.

33. The method of claim 27, wherein the metal source is ore, tailings, slag, electronic waste, or any combination thereof.

34. The method of claim 27, wherein the particulate metal source comprises particles having a diameter of 10 mm or less.

35. The method of claim 27, further comprising: Prior to contacting the metal source with the bioleaching composition, a pre-leaching composition comprising a biosurfactant is contacted with the metal source for a period of time to produce a mixture comprising a treated metal source and impurities.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the pre-leaching composition is in liquid form and the contacting comprises agitating, shaking and / or bubbling the mixture for about 1 minute to about 48 hours.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: The impurities and the treated metal source are separated from the mixture to obtain a material containing reduced impurity metal.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the impurities are present in a liquid phase, the material containing the reduced impurity metal is present in foam formed on a surface of the liquid, and the foam of the material containing the reduced impurity metal is removed from the liquid.

39. A method for separating released target metals from waste coal gangue, the method comprising: providing a released target metal in a particle form comprising waste gangue material; adding the released target metal and coal gangue to water in the presence of a collector, wherein the collector is a biosurfactant; supplying aeration to the water, wherein the biosurfactant promotes attachment of the target metal to air bubbles provided by the aeration, wherein the target metal and the air bubbles float to the surface of the water in a foamy form, and wherein the waste coal gangue remains beneath the surface of the water; as well as The target metal is collected from the froth for refining.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid (SLP).

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the SLP is an acidic SLP (ASL) and / or a lactone SLP (LSL).

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