Abstract: It's necessary to solve the problem of low efficiency of chalcopyrite bioleaching by the bioleaching mechanism. Reviewed the development progress of bioleaching mechanism from “direct and indirect action” theory to “contact action” theory,then “indirect action-direct contact action-indirect contact action” theory and introduced the correlation model and explanation in detail. The chalcopyrite bioleaching mechanism isn't verdict and needs to continue thorough research.

Key words: Chalcopyrite, Bioleaching mechanism, Direct action, Indirect action, Direct-contact action, Indirect-contact action