Thermophilic archaeal community succession and function change associated with the leaching rate in bioleaching of chalcopyrite

► A first study on community succession and function associated with chalcopyrite leaching rate. ► Sulfolobus metallicus was most sensitive to the environmental change. ► Acidianus brierleyi showed the best adaptability and highest sulfur oxidation ability. ► The bioleaching rate correlated closely with the consortium function embodied by soxB gene.