High copper extraction by the action of Thiobacillus thiooxidans (T.t.) on covellite in presence of iron(III) is explained by indirect mechanism, in which T.t. only oxidizes the layer of sulphur that covers the sulphide surface allowing sulphide oxidation by iron(III). In cultures on elemental sulphur with iron(III) T.t. is not able to use iron(III) as an acceptor of electrons in sulphur oxidation; iron(III) only oxidizes those intermediates which were generated in the aerobic oxidation of sulphur.Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales