The invention publishes a process to increase the
bioleaching speed of ores or concentrates of
sulfide metal species in heaps, tailing dams, dumps, or other on-site operations. The process is characterized by the continuous
inoculation of the ores or concentrates with isolated microorganisms of the
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans type, together with isolated microorganisms of the
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans type, with or without native microorganisms, in such a way that the total concentration of microorganisms in the continuous
inoculation flow is of around 1×107 cells / ml to 5,6×107 cells / ml. In particular, the invention publishes the continuous
inoculation of
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans Licanantay DSM 17318 together with
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Wenelen DSM 16786 microorganisms, or with other native microorganisms at a concentration higher than 5×107 cells / ml. In addition to the inoculation of isolated
bacteria, the invention includes the addition of oxidizing agents such as the
ferric ion produced externally, together with nutrients in the shape of salts of
ammonium,
magnesium, iron,
potassium, as well as air enriched continuously with
carbon dioxide to promote bacterial action in the
bioleaching process of ores or concentrates.