Patents Assigned to Freeport Minerals Corporation
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Publication number: 20180274057Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: John Warren Dean, JR., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
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Patent number: 10036096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
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Patent number: 10036080Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
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Patent number: 10006133Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
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Patent number: 9988728Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9982321Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: John Warren Dean, Jr., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
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Publication number: 20180001230Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2017Publication date: January 4, 2018Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Steven Richardson, Jason M. Morgan
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Patent number: 9856570Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
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Publication number: 20170356065Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2015Publication date: December 14, 2017Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: John Warren Dean, Jr., Christopher Wooten, Chase Zenner
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Publication number: 20160355937Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Anand Raman, Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
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Patent number: 9447483Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Anand Raman, Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen
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Publication number: 20160230296Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Wayne W. Hazen, Lawrence D. May, Jay C. Smith, David R. Baughman
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Patent number: 9340849Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Wayne W Hazen, Lawrence D May, Jay C Smith, David R Baughman
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Publication number: 20160068977Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M. Robertson, Thomas R. Bolles, Dennis D. Gertenbach
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Publication number: 20160053341Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
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Publication number: 20160047055Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20150361527Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Applicant: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Anand Raman, Jason M. Morgan, Barbara J. Savage, David G. Meadows, Wayne W. Hazen
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Patent number: 9187803Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
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Patent number: 9175366Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Joanna M Robertson, Thomas R Bolles, Dennis D Gertenbach
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Patent number: 9169533Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: FREEPORT MINERALS CORPORATIONInventors: Jason M Morgan, Barbara J Savage, David G Meadows, Wayne W Hazen