Abstract: A purification method that uses ion-selective ceramics to electrochemically filter waste products from a molten salt. The electrochemical method uses ion-conducting ceramics that are selective for the molten salt cations desired in the final purified melt, and selective against any contaminant ions. The method can be integrated into a slightly modified version of the electrochemical framework currently used in pyroprocessing of nuclear wastes.

Abstract: In a method for reduction of a solid feedstock, such as a solid metal compound, in an electrolytic apparatus a portion of the feedstock is arranged in each of two or more electrolytic cells (50, 60, 70, 80). A molten salt is provided as an electrolyte in each cell. The molten salt is circulated from a molten salt reservoir (10) such that salt flows through each of the cells. Feedstock is reduced in each cell by applying a potential across electrodes in each cell, the potential being sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.

Abstract: A process for recovering a metal chloride or mixed metal chloride from a solid waste material comprising recoverable metal containing constituents produced by lead, copper or zinc smelting and refining processes, said process comprising the steps of: (i) heating the solid waste material; (ii) treating the heated material of step (i) with a gaseous chloride to form a gaseous metal chloride containing product; and (iii) treating the gaseous metal chloride containing product of step (ii) to recover the metal chloride or mixed metal chloride. The metal chloride may be further treated to extract the metal itself.

Abstract: Embodiments include a cathode scraper system and/or method of using the same for removing uranium. The cathode scraper system includes a plurality of cathode assemblies. Each cathode assembly includes a plurality of cathode rods. The cathode scraper system also includes a cathode scraper assembly configured to remove purified uranium deposited on the plurality of cathode rods. The cathode scraper assembly includes a plurality of scrapers arranged in a lattice, and each scraper of the plurality of scrapers is arranged to correspond to a different cathode rod.

Abstract: Provided is a method for obtaining a particular metal at high purity, with safety, and at low cost, from a treatment object containing two or more metal elements. The present invention provides a method for producing a metal by molten salt electrolysis, the method including a step of dissolving, in a molten salt, a metal element contained in a treatment object containing two or more metal elements; and a step of depositing or alloying a particular metal present in the molten salt, on one of a pair of electrode members disposed in the molten salt containing the dissolved metal element, by controlling a potential of the electrode members to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Broadly, the present disclosure relates to sidewall features (e.g. inner sidewall or hot face) of an electrolysis cell, which protect the sidewall from the electrolytic bath while the cell is in operation (e.g. producing metal in the electrolytic cell).

Abstract: A system is provided including an electrolysis cell configured to retain a molten electrolyte bath, the bath including at least one bath component, the electrolysis cell including: a bottom, and a sidewall consisting essentially of the at least one bath component; and a feeder system, configured to provide a feed material including the least one bath component to the molten electrolyte bath such that the at least one bath component is within 2% of saturation, wherein, via the feed material, the sidewall is stable in the molten electrolyte bath.

Abstract: A method of producing metallic powder comprises steps of arranging a volume of feedstock comprising a plurality of non-metallic particles within an electrolysis cell, causing a molten salt to flow through the volume of feedstock, and applying a potential between a cathode and an anode such that the feedstock is reduced to metal. In preferred embodiments the feedstock is a plurality of discrete powder particles and these particles are reduced to a corresponding plurality of discrete metallic particles. In advantageous embodiments, the feedstock may be sand.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electro-decomposition process wherein a cathode comprising a metal compound is contacted with a fused salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The metal compound is a compound between a metal and another substance, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and an anode such that the substance is removed from the metal compound. In the improved method, the applied voltage increases with time, either continuously or stepwise, up to a predetermined maximum voltage. In addition, or in the alternative, the fused salt composition is selected so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of the substance in the fused salt during electro-decomposition.

Abstract: An electrolytic extraction method wins a target element from an oxide feedstock compound thereof. The feedstock compound is dissolved in an oxide melt in contact with a cathode and an anode in an electrolytic cell. During electrolysis the target element is deposited at a liquid cathode and coalesces therewith. Oxygen is evolved on an anode bearing a solid oxide layer, in contact with the oxide melt, over a metallic anode substrate.

Abstract: In a method for reducing a solid feedstock (110), such as a solid metal compound, feedstock is arranged on upper surfaces of elements (60, 80, 81) in a bipolar cell stack contained within a housing (25). A molten salt electrolyte is circulated through the housing so that it contacts the elements of the bipolar stack and the feedstock. A potential is applied to terminal electrodes (50, 60) of the bipolar stack such that the upper surfaces of the elements become cathodic and the lower surfaces of the elements become anodic. The applied potential is sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.

Abstract: Provided are high-purity yttrium and a high-purity yttrium sputtering target each having a purity, excluding rare earth elements and gas components, of 5 N or more and containing 1 wt ppm or less of each of Al, Fe, and Cu; a method of producing high-purity yttrium by molten salt electrolysis of a raw material being a crude yttrium oxide having a purity, excluding gas components, of 4N or less at a bath temperature of 500° C. to 800° C. to obtain yttrium crystals, desalting treatment, water washing, and drying of the yttrium crystals, and then electron beam melting for removing volatile materials to achieve a purity, excluding rare earth elements and gas components, of 5N or more; and a technology capable of efficiently and stably providing high-purity yttrium, a sputtering target composed of the high-purity yttrium, and a metal-gate thin film mainly composed of the high-purity yttrium.

Abstract: An electrolysis system for generating a metal and molecular oxygen includes a container for receiving a metal oxide containing a metallic species to be extracted, a cathode positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an oxygen-ion-conducting membrane positioned to contact a metal oxide housed within the container; an anode in contact with the oxygen-ion-conducting membrane and spaced apart from a metal oxide housed within the container, said anode selected from the group consisting of liquid metal silver, oxygen stable electronic oxides, oxygen stable crucible cermets, and stabilized zirconia composites with oxygen stable electronic oxides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering valuable metals from precious metal smelting slag, comprising: smelting the precious metal smelting slag and a flux in a top-blown rotary furnace to produce a lead-bismuth alloy, wherein the precious metal smelting slag comprises Au, Ag, Bi and Pb; electrolyzing the lead-bismuth alloy at a current density ranging from 60 to 110 A/m2 to obtain lead cathode and lead anode slime; refining the lead anode slime to produce bismuth and silver-zinc crust, and extracting gold and silver separately from the silver-zinc crust. Through utilizing a top-blown rotary furnace as the smelting apparatus and adjusting the ratio of the flux, the present invention enriches the valuable metals gold, silver, bismuth, lead or the like to lead-bismuth alloy, ensures lower contents of gold, silver, bismuth and lead in the reducing slag and thereby increases the comprehensive recovery rates of gold, silver, bismuth and lead from the precious metal smelting slag.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a nuclear material may include electrolytically reducing the nuclear material in a first molten salt electrolyte of an electroreducer to produce a reduced material. A reducer waste may accumulate in the first molten salt electrolyte as a byproduct of the electroreduction. After the electroreduction, the reduced material may be electrolytically dissolved in a second molten salt electrolyte of an electrorefiner to produce a purified metal product on a refiner cathode assembly of the electrorefiner. As a result of the electrorefining, a first refiner waste may accumulate in the second molten salt electrolyte and a second refiner waste may accumulate in a refiner anode assembly of the electrorefiner. The reducer waste from the electroreducer and the first refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a ceramic waste form, while the second refiner waste from the electrorefiner may be converted into a metallic waste form.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing fine metal particles, wherein metal oxide powders can be used as a source of fine metal particles, and a method for producing fine metal particles can be provided avoiding the contamination of the molten salt electrolyte bath and the produced fine metal particles. A method for producing fine metal particles (112) is provided which comprises generating cathodic discharge outside and over the surface of an electrolyte bath (100) comprising metal oxide powders (110) suspended therein, whereby the metal oxide powders (110) are electrochemically reduced into the fine metal particles (112).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a process for producing rare metals includes the steps of: electrolyzing an electrolytic solution to extract a Re oxide at a cathode; recovering the Re oxide, and electrolyzing the Re oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Re; recovering a Nd containing residue solution; treating the Nd containing residue solution to produce Nd oxide; electrolyzing the Nd oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Nd; recovering a Dy containing residue solution; treating the Dy containing residue solution to produce Dy oxide; and electrolyzing the Dy oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Dy.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for tapping molten metal from below a molten electrolyte layer less dense than the metal is described. The apparatus comprises a pipe comprising a protruding enlarged wall portion at an operative end which is immersed in the molten electrolyte and metal during tapping operation. The enlarged wall portion helps to minimize entrainment of electrolyte residue from the electrolyte/metal interface during tapping. The orientation of the enlarged wall portion may be in the general direction of the crucible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrolytic production and refining of metals having a melting point above about 1000° C., particularly silicon, where there is provided a first electrolytic cell having an upper molten electrolyte layer of a first electrolyte, a lower molten alloy layer of an alloy of the metal to be refined and at least one metal more noble than the metal to be refined. The lower alloy layer is the cathode in the first cell and an anode is positioned in the upper molten electrolyte layer. A second electrolytic cell is also provided with an upper molten metal layer of the same metal as the metal to be refined, said layer constituting a cathode, a lower molten alloy layer, said lower layer constituting an anode, said alloy having a higher density than the metal to be refined, and an intermediate molten electrolyte layer having a density between the density of the upper and lower molten layers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a process for producing rare metals includes the steps of: electrolyzing an electrolytic solution to extract a Re oxide at a cathode; recovering the Re oxide, and electrolyzing the Re oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Re; recovering a Nd containing residue solution; treating the Nd containing residue solution to produce Nd oxide; electrolyzing the Nd oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Nd; recovering a Dy containing residue solution; treating the Dy containing residue solution to produce Dy oxide; and electrolyzing the Dy oxide in a molten salt electrolyte to extract metallic Dy.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to elemental boron, particularly to elemental boron having a high purity level and to a method of recovering elemental boron by the electrolysis of a molten boron-containing electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for removing a substance (X) from a solid metal or semi-metal compound (M1X) by electrolysis in a melt of M2Y, which comprises conducting the electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of X rather than M2 deposition occurs at a electrode surface, and that X dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y. The substance X is either removed from the surface (i.e., M1X) or by means of diffusion extracted from the case material. The temperature of the fused salt is chosen below the melting temperature of the metal M1. The potential is chosen below the decomposition potential of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-polar reduction cell for production of a light metal by electrolysis. The cell has an anode, a cathode, and at least one current-conducting multi-polar electrode interposed between the anode and the cathode. The cell has a molten electrolyte containing a metal salt to be electrolyzed held within the cell and preferably has means to maintain an upper surface of the electrolyte at a predetermined level within the cell. The level is preferably maintained above the upper end of the multi-polar electrode(s), at least in use of the cell. The multi-polar electrode has an electrically insulating surface at its upper end that minimizes or eliminates by-pass current between the anode and cathode when the cell is operated. The invention also relates to the method of minimizing or eliminating the by-pass current.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrochemically reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets is disclosed. The cell includes a cathode (25) in the form of a plate that has an upper surface for supporting metal oxide powders and/or pellets. The plate is horizontally disposed or slightly inclined and has a forward end and a rearward end and is immersed in an electrolyte bath. The plate is supported for movement so as to cause metal oxide powders and/or pellets on the upper surface of the plate to move toward a forward end of the plate. The cell also includes a means for causing metal oxide powders and/or pellets to move over the upper surface of the plate toward the forward end of the cathode while in contact with molten electrolyte whereby electrochemical reduction of the metal oxide to metal can occur. A method of continuously or semi-continuously reducing metal oxide powders and/or pellets in the cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of producing a metal, M1, in an electrolytic cell consisting of a molten electrolyte, MZY-MZO, at least one anode and at least one cathode, characterised in that the passage of current between said anode(s) and cathode(s) through said electrolyte, produces a metal, M1, from a raw material, M1X, containing a non-metallic species, X, under conditions such that the potential at the cathode causes the reduction of the MZ cation and the formation of MZ at activities less than one, and the potential at the cathode is insufficient to cause formation of MZ metal as a discrete solid or liquid phase, and the MZ so produced reduces the raw material, M1X, at the cathode, to M1.

Abstract: A process for production of a metal includes a step of filling a metal chloride in an electrolysis vessel having positive and negative electrodes, a step of heating and fusing the metal chloride to make an electrolytic bath, and a step of electrolyzing the electrolytic bath to deposit metal on the negative electrode in a solid state.

Abstract: A molten salt electrolyzer for reducing metal comprises an electrolytic cell filled with a molten salt composed of a reducing metal chloride, an anode immersed in the molten salt of the electrolytic cell and surrounded by a first wall at the periphery thereof, and a cathode immersed in the molten salt of the electrolytic cell and surrounded by a second wall at the periphery thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electro-decomposition process wherein a cathode comprising a metal compound is contacted with a fused salt electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The metal compound is a compound between a metal and another substance, and a voltage is applied between the cathode and an anode such that the substance is removed from the metal compound. In the improved method, the applied voltage increases with time, either continuously or stepwise, up to a predetermined maximum voltage. In addition, or in the alternative, the fused salt composition is selected so as to maintain a predetermined concentration of the substance in the fused salt during electro-decomposition.

Abstract: A system for purification of high value metals comprises an electrolytic cell in which an anode formed of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest with carbon is electrochemically reduced in a molten salt electrolyte.

Abstract: A method of electrolytically reducing a metal oxide (such as aluminium and magnesium oxides) to produce a metal in an electrolytic call is disclosed. The method includes electrolytically reducing the metal oxide in an electrolytic cell that includes a pool of molten metal, the metal being the metal of the metal oxide to be reduced, and the molten metal pool forming a cathode of the cell. The electrolytic cell also includes a pool of molten electrolyte in contact with the molten metal, the electrolyte containing alkali and/or alkaline earth halides. The electrolytic cell also includes an anode extending into the electrolyte and a body of metal oxide to reduced in contact with the molten metal and the electrolyte.

Abstract: To provide a reliable, efficient method for reducing oxidized metals used upon manufacturing of the multilayer interconnection structure, semiconductor device, etc. With this method vapor containing at least a carboxylic acid ester is hydrolyzed by water vapor to reduce oxidized metal. The multilayer interconnection manufacturing method of the present invention includes at least film formation step, interconnection formation step, and reduction step using the metal reduction method of the present invention. The multilayer interconnection structure of the present invention is manufactured by the multilayer interconnection structure manufacturing method of the present invention. The semiconductor device manufacturing method of the present invention includes at least film formation step, patterning step, interconnection formation step, and reduction step using the metal reduction method.

Abstract: A method of reducing a metal oxide in a solid state, in an electrolytic cell, is provided, as is an electrolytic cell suitable for performing the method. The cathode of the electrolytic cell is formed at least in part from the metal oxide to be reduced, and the electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the cathode metal oxide. The method includes operating the cell at a potential that is above the potential at which cations of the reducing metal will deposit as metal on the cathode.

Abstract: A low temperature method for reducing and purifying refractory metals, metal compounds, and semi-metals using a catalyst. Using this invention, TiO2 can be reduced directly to Ti metal at room temperature. The catalyst is an ion in an electrolyte that catalyzes the rate of the reduction of a compound MX to M, wherein M is a metal or a semi-metal; MX is a metal compound, a semi-metal compound, or a metal or semi-metal dissolved as an impurity in M; and X is an element chemically combined with or dissolved in M.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of reducing spent oxides nuclear fuel to nuclear-fuel metal, in which metal oxides are reduced to metals using an electrochemical reduction device with LiCl—Li2O salt as an electrolyte, a cathode electrode assembly used in the method, and a reduction device including the cathode electrode assembly. The method is advantageous in that the process of reducing the spent oxide nuclear fuel to the nuclear-fuel metal and another process of recovering Li are united to simplify the whole processes, direct use of high oxidative Li metals is excluded to secure safety, and conversion efficiency of the spent oxide nuclear fuel is 99% or more.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent extraction.

Abstract: This invention discloses and claims the low temperature reduction and purification of refractory metals, metal compounds, and semi-metals. The reduction is accomplished using non-aqueous ionic solvents in an electrochemical cell with the metal entity to be reduced. Using this invention, TiO2 is reduced directly to Ti metal at room temperature.

Abstract: A method of removing oxygen from a solid metal, metal compound or semi-metal M1O by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface and that oxygen dissolves in the electrolyte M2Y and wherein, M1O is in the form of (sintered) granules or is in the form of a powder which is continuously fed into the fused salt. Also disclosed is a method of producing a metal foam comprising the steps of fabricating a foam-like metal oxide preform, removing oxygen from said foam structured metal oxide preform by electrolysis in a fused salt of M2Y or a mixture of salts, which comprises conducting electrolysis under conditions such that reaction of oxygen rather than M2 deposition occurs at an electrode surface. The method is advantageously applied for the production of titanium from Ti-dioxide.

Abstract: A method of electrochemically reducing a metal oxide to the metal in an electrochemical cell is disclosed along with the cell. Each of the anode and cathode operate at their respective maximum reaction rates. An electrolyte and an anode at which oxygen can be evolved, and a cathode including a metal oxide to be reduced are included as is a third electrode with independent power supplies connecting the anode and the third electrode and the cathode and the third electrode.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal or an alloy from metalliferous material by removing O,S, or N from a solid body of metalliferous material by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell is disclosed. The cell includes a molten halide salt or mixture of halide salts as an electrolyte. The cation of the salt is selected from the group that includes Ca, Ba, Li, Na, K, Mg, Sr, Cs and Y. In one aspect of the invention the method includes conducting the electrolysis under conditions wherein the solid body of metalliferous material is made part of a cathode of the electrolytic cell, the cathode includes a conductor for electrically connecting the cathode with an electrical potential, the conductor has high resistance to chemical attack by the electrolyte at high temperatures, and the conductor is at least partly immersed in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A low temperature alkali metal electrolysis process is provided. The process comprises carrying out the electrolysis in the presence of a co-electrolyte and an alkali metal halide. The co-electrolyte comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides; (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide; or (3) water. Also provided is a low temperature electrolysis process, which comprises carrying out the process using a cathode that comprises (1) a liquid alkali metal; (2) an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, antimony, indium, gallium, thallium, and cadmium; or (3) an electrically conductive liquid solvated alkali metal.

Abstract: Insulation assemblies provide reduced heat loss from electrolytic metal production cells such as inert anode aluminum production cells. The insulation assemblies may be located at the end, side and/or center aisles of the cell, and may be supported by the anodes and deckplate of the cell. The assemblies reduce heat loss and bath vaporization losses, and permit stable operation of the inert anode cell.

Abstract: A method of reducing a metal oxide in a solid state, in an electrolytic cell, is provided, as is an electrolytic cell suitable for performing the method. The cathode of the electrolytic cell is formed at least in part from the metal oxide to be reduced, and the electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the cathode metal oxide. The method includes operating the cell at a potential that is above the potential at which cations of the reducing metal will deposit as metal on the cathode.

Abstract: A method of reducing a metal oxide in a solid state, in an electrolytic cell, is provided, as is an electrolytic cell suitable for performing the method. The cathode of the electrolytic cell is formed at least in part from the metal oxide to be reduced, and the electrolyte includes cations of a metal that is capable of chemically reducing the cathode metal oxide. The method includes operating the cell at a potential that is above the potential at which cations of the reducing metal will deposit as metal on the cathode.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent extraction.

Abstract: An anode system (10) in contact with a molten salt bath (34) in an electrolysis apparatus, contains a 50% to 95% dense refractory support (12) which comprises refractory material and from 2 wt %. to 20 wt. % of metal fibers (40), where the metal fibers are from 1 cm to 4 cm long.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding a metal, for example sodium, to a melt of a material, for example aluminum, in a vessel, in which a molten compound of the metal or a solution of a compound of the metal is provided in a container (12), the container being positioned outside the vessel, the compound is electrolytically decomposed and ions of the metal are caused to pass through a wall of a solid-state electrolyte (14) which is a conductor therefor, from a first side of the wall to an opposite second side thereof, and to combine with electrons at the second side of the wall and then to flow as molten metal from the container into the melt in the vessel.

Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) for producing a molten metal having a density less than a density of a molten electrolyte used for producing the metal in the cell. The cell includes a section (14) for the electrolysis of a salt of the the metal contained in a molten electrolyte to form droplets of the metal in molten form contained in the electroylte; electrodes (18) within the electrolysis section for effecting the electrolysis; a metal recovery section (15) for separation of the metal from the electrolyte to form a molten metal layer, having an upper suface, floating on an upper surface of the molten electrolyte; a tapping device for periodically removing molten metal from the cell; and a reservoir (25) for withdrawal and temporary holding of molten metal separated from the electrolyte in the metal recovery section. The reservoir has a means to remove liquid from the reservoir without permanently removing the liquid from the cell.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a foamed metal or alloy article including the steps of: A) selecting a particulate feedstock having suitable proportions of a metal element or combination of metal elements M1 contaminated by one or more contaminants X to form an alloy suitable for the foamed article; B) mixing the feedstock with a binder to form a slurry; C) preforming the slurry into a near net shape of the desired article and drying the preform to remove the binder; D) sintering the dried preform to provide a bonded foamed article; E) introducing the sintered article into an electrochemical cell, the cell containing a liquid electrolyte comprising a fused salt or mixture of salts generally designated as M2Y in which contaminant(s) X is soluble, and a relatively inert anode; F) conducting electrolysis under conditions favourable to the selective dissolution of the contaminant(s) X in preference to the M2 cation; and G) following electrolysis reclaiming the purified foam article from the cathode.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing communicated copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditional steps, and electowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent extraction.