Abstract: A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension-like mass flow containing non-magnetic ore particles. The method involves mixing the mass flow with magnetic particles in a mixing device and forming ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates, feeding the mass flow as a separator feed flow to a magnetic separator for separating the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates from the mass flow, forming a separator concentrate flow containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates and a separator residual flow containing the remaining constituents of the mass flow, and separating the ore particles from the ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates contained in the separator concentrate flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing heavy material from ore in a water environment includes an upstanding tube, a reservoir, and a pulsator connected between the upstanding tube and the reservoir. The pulsator cyclically causes the upstanding tube to move downward, and fluid pressure within reservoir causes it to move back upward. This vertical pulsation of the upstanding tube effects the separation of heavy material from lighter material contained within the ore. The pulsator includes a member and diaphragm which are cyclically forced downward into the reservoir by a cam-driven rocker arm. A given downward movement of the member and diaphragm results in an amplified upward movement of the ore and the water within the upstanding tube.

Abstract: A method of recovering fine lead-containing particles (battery paste) from expended lead-acid batteries in a form which can be used as battery paste in the manufacturing of new batteries without smelting is disclosed. A method of heating lead carbonate particles to about 315.degree. C. to convert them to lead monoxide particles for use in battery manufacturing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal gravity classifier in which various nonferrous scrap metals are classified and separated, using a single tank containing two layers of molten media. Shredded nonferrous scrap containing metal constituents such as aluminum, zinc, lead, and copper or the like are introduced to the top of the tank containing an upper layer of molten zinc, floating on a lower layer of molten lead. Metals such as aluminum, having a specific gravity less than zinc, by a screw conveyor approximately parallel with the top surface. Heavier metals and alloys such as copper or the like, having a melting point above the temperature within the tank, fall through the zinc layer and are conveyed from the tank by a separate screw conveyor extending up a diagonal wall of the tank. Metals such as lead and zinc, having a melting point lower than the temperature maintained within the tank, melt and gravitate to the appropriate molten layer in the tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the separation of gold from particulate material containing gold, which comprises introducing a hydrophobic liquid, a non-gold particulate hydrophobic bulking material and particulate, gold containing material into an aqueous liquid so that the hydrophobic liquid becomes associated with the gold and, in conjunction with the non-gold particulate hydrophobic material, forms gold bearing agglomerates bonded by the hydrophobic liquid, and separating the gold bearing agglomerates from the aqueous liquid.