Probing the whole ore chalcopyrite-bacteria interactions and jarosite biosynthesis by Raman and FTIR microspectroscopies.

The whole ore chalcopyrite-bacteria interaction and the formation of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) during the bioleaching process by microorganisms found in the mine of Hellenic Copper Mines in Cyprus were investigated. Raman and FTIR microspectroscopies have been applied towards establishing a direct method for monitoring the formation of secondary minerals and the newly found vibrational marker bands were used to monitor the time evolution of the formation of covellite, and the K(+) and NH4(+)-jarosites from the chalcopyrite surfaces. The Raman data indicate that the formation of K(+)-jarosite is followed by the formation of NH4(+)-jarosite.