Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of cyanide and metals from a liquor containing complexes of cyanide and metal typically generated by a metallurgical or industrial process. The process involves electrochemical dissociation of the metal-cyanide complex and electrowinning of the metal while free cyanide generated in the process is recovered in a membrane treatment step for re-use in a metallurgical process utilising it. An electrochemical apparatus, which may be used in the process, forms a further aspect of the invention. A membrane process alone, for separation of cyanide, from liquors containing cyanide complexes is a further aspect of the invention.

Abstract: A method of activating a mineral species wherein the mineral species is activated by fine or ultra fine milling prior to processing by methods of oxidative hydrometallurgy. The milled mineral species may be subjected to oxidative leaching under relatively mild conditions of pressure and temperature due to the milling producing minerals which are activated, and which thus react far more readily with oxidants such as oxygen. Furthermore, the oxidative leaching is able to be conducted under conditions requiring less than stoichiometric levels of oxidant, again due to the activated nature of the minerals.

Abstract: The invention provides a magnetic separator for the separation of a fluid mixture into a more magnetic portion and a less magnetic portion wherein the magnetic field generator comprise a pair of solinoid coils located opposite each other and between which a conveyor assembly carrying a matrix of magnetic elements and the fluid material to be treated passes during use of the magnetic separator.

Abstract: A magnetic separator comprising an annular housing rotatable about a generally vertical axis and adapted to contain a matrix therein composed of a plurality of separate elements of magnetic material said annular housing being optionally sub-divided into a plurality of partitions around the circumference thereof, outlets for elements constituting the matrix in the lower region of the said partitions, means for releasably opening said outlets at one or more required positions around the circumference of the housing, means for cleaning elements constituting said matrix and which issue from said outlet in use, and further means for returning cleaned elements to the annular housing after cleaning.