Santiago, August 26th, 2014.- "We are very pleased with the results obtained in the industrial test in Division Radomiro Tomic, because after more than a year of close teamwork, we have shown that our bioleaching technology of copper sulfides is technically and economically attractive, adding value to the mineral resources of the industry not only in Chile, but worldwide", said Pilar Parada, CEO of BioSigma after releasing the results of industrial testing during 2013 at Radomiro Tomic plant.
The event, held today in Santiago BioSigma Laboratory was headed by Finance Minister Alberto Arenas; President of the Board of Codelco, Oscar Landerretche; Codelco CEO (I), Octavio Araneda; President of the Board of BioSigma, Fidel Báez, and representatives of JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corp. in Chile, Keiichi Goto and Yuta Kusama.
The industrial test, developed in Radomiro Tomic Division, considered the construction and operation of a biomass plant and associated facilities. This allowed the production of microorganisms and bioleaching solutions enough to process two heaps of low grade ore containing about 25 thousand tons of ore each, with an average copper grade of 0.4%.
More than 70% of the copper contained in these ores was in the form of primary sulfide minerals, Chalcopyrite and Bornite specifically. Two heaps used BioSigma technology and the other two used world standard bioleaching process with native microorganisms.
The 12 months trial was fully successful. The technology BioSigma managed to recover 30% copper more than conventional technology after one year of operation. Additionally, showed increased recovery kinetics: and bioleaching cycle decreased one half.
"This is a historic technological jump. Results of the industrial test give solution for exploiting low grade resources for future mining. In this way Chile is setting a precedent in this paradigm change, "said Fidel Báez, chairman of the Board of BioSigma and Business Development Vice President of Codelco (I).
Thus, after 12 years, BioSigma a biotechnology subsidiary company of Codelco and JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation, delivered an industrial bioleaching technology for sulfide minerals from low-grade copper.
Incorporation of this technology into copper production plans
During the launch event of industrial test results release, BioSigma and Radomiro Tomic Division signed an agreement to incorporate these technologies to copper production plans of the Division, which will produce copper from sulfide ores which today were not considered as reserves.
"Specifically for Radomiro Tomic Division, this technology will allow treatment of sulfide ores economically. As the oxide ores are exhausted, will be available capacities in SX/EW plants, which could be used with copper solutions from bioleaching of sulfide ores due to BioSigma technology. This will allow us to continue operating and maintaining employability in these facilities in the long term, "explains Juan Medel, general manager of Division Radomiro Tomic.
It must be recall that this Division of Codelco currently bases its operations in the leaching of oxide ores and shipment of sulfide ore to Chuquicamata. Additionally, bioleaching of sulfide ores is a strategic axis of development for Radomiro Tomic, like structural Project Sulfides Phase II, the successful closing of the line of oxides and the new business model RT 2.0.
With this advance in biomining large projections for the company are opened, not only nationally but internationally. "The future of the company is entering a stage of commercialization of technologies both in Chile and abroad, not to mention continue to invest in innovative technologies to further improve or complement these developments 2.0 with new technologies," said Pilar Parada, BioSigma general manager.
Innovation Network
One of the BioSigma key to success has been since the beginning joined a multidisciplinary group of professionals of excellence (especially biologists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, chemical engineers, mining engineers, etc.), which together with a world class infrastructure, sought to develop competitive technologies in biotechnology industry that allowed innovation achievements pioneers in the world.
BioSigma has formed a network of open innovation, which has allowed us to incorporate the state of the art of science and technology in their research programs and technological innovation. It has strategic alliances with engineering and construction companies, service providers, universities and research centers, national and international.
Special mention deserves the partnership with the Center for Mathematical Modeling, University of Chile, specifically doctors Alejandro Maass and Servet Martínez, who were instrumental in the incorporation of molecular tools that today serve to support bioleaching technologies.
Equally important has been the work with Japanese universities of Tohoku, Keio and Okayama, where the experience of doctors Chihiro Inoue, Tsuyoshi Sugio and Masaru Tomita allowed to accelerate the generation of knowledge about biomining microorganisms that are used today.
Intellectual Property
BioSigma has developed technologies and intellectual property rights, generating more than 160 patent applications in Chile and abroad. Currently has 82 patents granted in the major mining countries, including the United States, Australia, Peru, South Africa, on microorganisms, biomass production and biomonitoring systems, biomonitoring of microorganisms inoculation in heaps and dumps and bioreactors heaps, among other innovations.
Since 2008 up to 2012, the company focused on implementing field validation of bioleaching technologies developed for Codelco Norte and Andina Division, which helped to consolidate the technologies that now constitute its technological offer. It is hoped that from now on, BioSigma fasten the commercialization of these technologies at industrial level, both with partners and with third parties.
BioSigma, successful technology company
In 2002, betting on the incorporation of advances in biotechnology to mining, Codelco and JX Nippon Mining and Metals Corp., sponsored by Chile Genome Program, created BioSigma SA.
The initial government contribution of $ 2 million represented a clear signal of support for the development of biotechnology in the country in areas of interest such as mining production. However, this initial contribution only managed to succeed thanks to the vision of its partners, Codelco and JX NMMC, who bet in the long term by investing capital for 12 years.
|
Bioleaching: Since ancient times, the action of microorganisms allowed to recover copper from mine waters. However, the importance of microorganisms in bioleaching was only recognized in the 40's, when the first organisms were isolated and characterized in the United States in 1947.
BioSigma Bioleaching Process: Bioleaching process starts with the biomass production, in bioreactors to produce different solutions enriched with specific bacteria and other microorganisms. With these solutions ore heaps are irrigated. These bacteria are capable of dissolving iron and sulfur releasing copper and leaving it in a soluble form in the PLS solution.
The PLS solution emerging from this process, rich in copper and depleted in acid, is collected in the bottom of the heap and conducted to PLS pond. The PLS solution is treated in a solvent extraction and electrowinning plant, where high purity copper cathodes are obtained.
|
Communications Management
English version
