Abstract: Ores containing mineral values are separated into two slurries, one having primarily fine particles and gangue and the other having primarily coarse particles. The slurry having fine particles and gangue is adjusted to a solids content of less than about 15 percent, as necessary, and then conditioned by the addition of appropriate promoter reagents, a flotation collector, and a froth modifier. The gangue, containing a disproportionate share of impurities, is floated in a column flotation cell wherein the fine particulates are not mechanically agitated, and removed. The remaining fine particulate underflow, containing a disproportionate share of the minearl values, is then processed directly, or combined with the slurry containing the coarse particulate to yield a flow having reduced impurity content and increased recovery of the mineral values.

Abstract: A process and product for achieving uniform, stabilized working and setting times for phosphate-bonded magnesia cements, wherein a solid phosphate is mixed with an aqueous ammonium phosphate solution and magnesium oxide to form a cement. The solid phosphate may be provided dry or in a slurry, and may be first mixed with the ammonium phosphate solution or the magnesium oxide. Introduction of the solid phosphate into the cement stabilizes the setting time of the cement, which otherwise may vary from a few minutes to several hours, depending upon the characteristics of the ammonium phosphate solution. The ammonium phosphate solution may be supplied as a 10-34-0 composition that is readily available commercially. In one embodiment of the invention, the solid phosphate is provided as an ammonium phosphate mixture of an 18-46-0 composition, having an ammonium phosphate content above the solubility limit of ammonium phosphate in water.

Abstract: A process for beneficiating phosphate containing ores, wherein promoter reagents are added to the ore slurry prior to the addition of collectors and depressants for flotation of the carbonate and silica components. The promoters aid in increasing the rejection of the magnesium present during carbonate and silica flotation steps and recovery of phosphates, so that acceptably low magnesium levels for phosphoric acid production can be achieved in a phosphate concentrate in a single rougher stage. Preferred promoters include sodium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process for beneficiating phosphate containing ores, wherein promoter reagents are added to the ore slurry prior to the addition of collectors and depressants for flotation of the carbonate and silica components. The promoters aid in increasing the rejection of the magnesium present during carbonate and silica flotation steps and recovery of phosphates, so that acceptably low magnesium levels for phosphoric acid production can be achieved in a phosphate concentrate in a single rougher stage. Preferred promoters include sodium carbonate and ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process for the selective recovery of cadmium, molybdenum, zinc, nickel and other metal values from wet process phosphoric acid and other acidic to slightly basic carrier solutions, wherein the metal-bearing solution is contacted with an organophosphene extractant to precipitate the metal values for subsequent separation from the solution. Separation may be effected by mechanical means or by scrubbing with a water-immiscible organic solvent such as kerosene for subsequent recovery of the metal values. The metal specie recovered is determined by the concentration of the organophosphene, which may be selectively adjusted to recover a series of metal values in a sequence of stages.

Abstract: A process for improving overall recovery of copper from an integrated mining and metallurgical processing operation by utilizing iron-containing copper ore materials as mined, such as low-grade copper ores and mine wastes, and crushed or granulated copper-containing slag obtained by smelting the higher-grade portions of such ore materials, involves the minign of such ore materials, the smelting of higher grade portions thereof, and the leaching of copper values from lower grade portions thereof with an aqueous, weakly acidic lixiviant to produce an acidic, ferric, effluent solution. The smelter slag is leached with the such effluent solution and copper values are recovered from the resulting pregnant solution. If desired, the barren solution may be recycled to the initial ore leaching step. By maintaining the pH of the acidic, ferric effluent solution from the initial leach within its normal range of about 1.9 to 3.

Abstract: A chemical process for treating metal sulfide materials, such as copper sulfide concentrates, to produce water-soluble metal chlorides and preclude the production of undesirable sulfur oxides. Such a metal sulfide material is contacted with an effective amount of a chlorinating reagent solution at a temperature below the boiling point of the reagent solution. The reaction proceeds until the metal sulfides are converted into metal chlorides and elemental sulfur is formed. The chlorinating reagent solution contains a chlorinating agent having a labile chlorine atom capable of reacting with the metal values to form metal chlorides, and at least one liquid hydrocarbon solvent which is capable of solubilizing both the chlorinating agent and the elemental sulfur produced during the reaction. The metal chloride product, which is insoluble in the reagent solution, is recovered from such solution by conventional means, e.g. by filtration, for conversion into the metal or metals.