Dynamic of main microorganisms present in the bioleaching industrial process. DNA copy numbers of 16S rRNA genes of main bacterial species during the leach cycle of strip S3 (A) and strip S5 (B) are shown. Strips S3 and S5 began its operations in May and August 2006 respectively. , At. ferrooxidans D2; , At. ferrooxidans DM; , At. thiooxidans; , L. ferriphilum; and , L. ferriphilum Warwick.