Bioleaching with ultrasound

Application of bioleaching of metals in a large-scale operation is reviewed briefly. Continued technical innovation is vital for the wider utilisation of this extraction process within the mineral industries. Therefore, the use of power ultrasound in combination with bioleaching (referred to as sonobioleaching) has been studied and is shown to be beneficial in the recovery of nickel from lean grade ores. The role of ultrasound in improving the benefits and lowering the drawbacks of bioleaching to an acceptable level are described. A possible mechanism for improving and intensifying this process is hypothesised.