Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems are provided that improve recovery of copper from previously leached copper ores. A reset solution comprising a chelating agent and a reducing agent is provided to a heap of previously leached and passivated ore to improve copper recovery kinetics in subsequent leaching stages.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical system for processing metal ore includes a dynamic oxidative step in which the ore is irrigated with specific reactive liquid mixtures to progressively transform the ore and maintain conditions for enhanced recovery of metal from the ore by solvent-extraction. In embodiments, the systems described herein may be used for obtaining metal from refractory ores of copper, silver, cobalt, nickel, gold, rhenium, molybdenum, tungsten, and zirconium.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical system for processing metal ore includes a dynamic oxidative step in which the ore is irrigated with specific reactive liquid mixtures at low flow rates to progressively transform the ore and maintain conditions for enhanced recovery of metal from the ore by solvent-extraction/electrowinning. In embodiments, the systems described herein may be used for obtaining copper metal from refractory copper sulfides. A heap subjected to the electrochemical regimes established and maintained in the heap using these methods exhibit novel kinetics.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for processing metal ore includes a dynamic oxidative step in which the ore is irrigated with specific reactive liquid mixtures at low flow rates to progressively transform the ore and maintain conditions for enhanced recovery of metal from the ore by solvent-extraction/electrowinning. In embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be used for obtaining copper metal from the refractory copper mineral chalcopyrite. A copper heap subjected to the electrochemical regimes established and maintained in the heap using these methods exhibit novel kinetics.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and systems are provided that improve recovery of copper from previously leached copper ores. A reset solution comprising a chelating agent and a reducing agent is provided to a heap of previously leached and passivated ore to improve copper recovery kinetics in subsequent leaching stages.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for processing metal ore includes a dynamic oxidative step in which the ore is irrigated with specific reactive liquid mixtures at low flow rates to progressively transform the ore and maintain conditions for enhanced recovery of metal from the ore by solvent-extraction/electrowinning. In embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be used for obtaining copper metal from the refractory copper mineral chalcopyrite. A copper heap subjected to the electrochemical regimes established and maintained in the heap using these methods exhibit novel kinetics.