Innovation Proposals
"Armbiotechnology" Scientific and Production Center "Armbiotechnology" Scientific and Production Center
Division of Natural Sciences

Development of the efficient biohydrometallurgical technology for extraction of non-ferrous and precious metals from low-grade ores and metallurgical wastes

N Investment project title Development of the efficient biohydrometallurgical technology for extraction of non-ferrous and precious metals from low-grade ores and metallurgical wastes
1. Sector

Mining industry, metallurgy, production of non-ferrous and precious metals

2. Project description

Currently only traditional technologies – ore benefication and pyrometallurgy are used in the mining industry in Armenia, which do not ensure complete and effective processing of mineral raw materials, and result in losses of valuable metals in tailings and other wastes in unacceptable quantities. 
The development and application of modern highly efficient biohydrometallurgical (microbiological) technology for metal recovery is a challenge for Armenia, which has a great number of low-grade ores, wastes and tailings.

3. Project implementation period 2 years
4. Project location Scientific and Production Centre “Armbiotechnology” of NAS RA
5. Project overall cost (USD) 17.000-20.000
6. Required investments (USD) 17.000-20.000
7. Own funds (USD) -
8. Creation of jobs At the beginning of the project At the end of the project
5 10
9. Payback period Based on rough estimates, in case of 10 tons/day and more capacity for processing of mineral raw materials by the microbiological method, the approximate payback period of invested finances will be 0.5 year.
10. Annual profitability index In case of a large-scale production (10 tons /day and more) cost price of metals obtained by the biohydrometallurgical method compared to the traditional methods will be 1.5 - 2 times lower. The application of integrated biohydrometallurgical method allows to increase the extraction of gold up to 90-95% and copper – 75- 80% from refractory ores and concentrates.
11. Detailed costs

-

12. Offer to investor

Biohydrometallurgical technology for metal recovery in comparison with traditional technologies is highly efficient, resource saving and less costly. The absence of gas and other emissions makes it absolutely safe for the environment and is the only acceptable technology for processing of low-grade ores and metallurgical wastes, as well as concentrates containing toxic impurities.

13. Contact details

Narine Vardanyan, Head of the Laboratory of Geomicrobiology of the Scientific and Production Centre "Armbiotechnology" of NAS RA 
E-mail: nvard {[ at ]} sci.am
Tel.: (+374 93) 801163