Patents Assigned to Freeport Minerals Corporation
  • Publication number: 20180274057
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Warren Dean, JR., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
  • Patent number: 10036096
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
  • Patent number: 10036080
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metal recovery process comprising a solvent extraction process. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a plant with a first and second circuit. A high-grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) is provided to the first and second circuit, and a low-grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) is provided to the second circuit. The first circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can be forwarded to a primary metal recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which can be forwarded to a secondary metal recovery process. The second circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can also be forwarded to the primary metal recovery process. The first and second circuits are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
  • Patent number: 10006133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and an ammonia leach medium, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce a loaded aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
  • Patent number: 9988728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell for recovery of metal. The assembly includes a hanger bar, a first perimeter bar, a second perimeter bar, optionally one or more center conductor bars, a base bar, a first tab coupled to the first perimeter bar and/or the base bar, and a second tab coupled to the second perimeter bar and/or the base bar. The assembly may also include insulating separators coupled to the tabs and/or insulators coupled to an active area of the anode assembly. A system includes the anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Luis A. Gonzalez Olguin, Rafael Garcia Navarro, Luis Ricardo Olivares, Larry R. Todd, Ron Haines, Chris Zanotti, Casey J. Clayton, Mark Peabody, Scot P. Sandoval
  • Patent number: 9982321
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Warren Dean, Jr., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
  • Publication number: 20180001230
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for separating phases of a liquid mixture or dispersion from each other. The system includes a settler system, which includes a coalescing-enhancing plate comprising a front face and rear face and a plurality of openings. The openings are configured to selectively manipulate the flux of portions of the mixture to thereby increase phase separation of the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven Richardson, Jason M. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9856570
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
  • Publication number: 20170356065
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Warren Dean, Jr., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
  • Publication number: 20160355937
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
  • Patent number: 9447483
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
  • Publication number: 20160230296
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Wayne W. Hazen, Lawrence D. May, Jay C. Smith, David R. Baughman
  • Patent number: 9340849
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Wayne W Hazen, Lawrence D May, Jay C Smith, David R Baughman
  • Publication number: 20160068977
    Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and an ammonia leach medium, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Dennis D. Gertenbach
  • Publication number: 20160053341
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metal recovery process comprising a solvent extraction process. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a plant with a first and second circuit. A high-grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) is provided to the first and second circuit, and a low-grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) is provided to the second circuit. The first circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can be forwarded to a primary metal recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which can be forwarded to a secondary metal recovery process. The second circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can also be forwarded to the primary metal recovery process. The first and second circuits are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
  • Publication number: 20160047055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell for recovery of metal. The assembly includes a hanger bar, a first perimeter bar, a second perimeter bar, optionally one or more center conductor bars, a base bar, a first tab coupled to the first perimeter bar and/or the base bar, and a second tab coupled to the second perimeter bar and/or the base bar. The assembly may also include insulating separators coupled to the tabs and/or insulators coupled to an active area of the anode assembly. A system includes the anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Luis A. Gonzalez Olguin, Rafael Garcia Navarro, Luis Ricardo Olivares, Larry R. Todd, Ron Haines, Chris Zanotti, Casey J. Clayton, Mark Peabody, Scot P. Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20150361527
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process and system for recovery of one or more metal values using solution extraction techniques and to a system for metal value recovery. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a first solution extraction circuit and a second solution extraction circuit. A first metal-bearing solution is provided to the first and second circuit, and a second metal-bearing solution is provided to the first circuit. The first circuit produces a first rich electrolyte solution, which can be forwarded to primary metal value recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which is forwarded to secondary metal value recovery. The second circuit produces a second rich electrolyte solution, which is also forwarded to primary metal value recovery. The first and second solution extraction circuits have independent organic phases and each circuit can operate independently of the other circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anand Raman, Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
  • Patent number: 9187803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and an ammonia leach medium, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
  • Patent number: 9175366
    Abstract: Systems and methods for basic leaching are provided. In various embodiments, a method is provided comprising leaching a slurry comprising a copper bearing material and a leach medium comprising ammonia and ammonium carbonate, adding copper powder to the slurry, separating the slurry into a pregnant leach solution and solids, and performing a solvent extraction on the pregnant leach solution to produce an loaded aqueous stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
  • Patent number: 9169533
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metal recovery process comprising a solvent extraction process. In an exemplary embodiment, the solution extraction system comprises a plant with a first and second circuit. A high-grade pregnant leach solution (“HGPLS”) is provided to the first and second circuit, and a low-grade pregnant leach solution (“LGPLS”) is provided to the second circuit. The first circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can be forwarded to a primary metal recovery, and a low-grade raffinate, which can be forwarded to a secondary metal recovery process. The second circuit produces a rich electrolyte, which can also be forwarded to the primary metal recovery process. The first and second circuits are in fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen