Codelco begins using bacteria to make low-grade ores profitable
August 26, 2014 at 12:50 PM EDT
SANTIAGO, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Bioleaching technology that uses bacteria to extract copper from low-grade mineral is ready after years of development for use in Chile, potentially boosting production at world No. 1 copper miner Codelco as it seeks to squeeze more metal out of tired ores.
