Patents Assigned to MBX Systems, Inc.
  • Methods for leaching of ores
    Patent number: 6471743
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or, adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom L. Young, Michael G. Greene, Dennis R. Rice, Kelly L. Karlage, Sean P. Premeau
  • Rapid ferrous sulfate biooxidation
    Patent number: 6294362
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for using iron-oxidizing bacteria to reactivate the raffinate ferrous sulfate solution in chemical leach operations. The process uses a biological raffinate converter, or BRC, as a key feature of the process. The process provides enhanced efficiency and commercial utility over the best known biological process for converting raffinate ferrous sulfate. The resulting ferric sulfate then can be recycled back into the bioleaching process of, for example, copper from chalcocite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Sharp, Kevin Stuffle
  • Sulfide mineral concentrate bioleaching
    Patent number: 6063158
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a novel process and bioreactor for enhancing the bioleaching of metals from sulfide mineral concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Sharp, deceased, Kevin L. Stuffle, Kelly L. Karlage, Tom L. Young
  • Enhancement of bioleach systems using nutrient additives
    Patent number: 5413624
    Abstract: Materials and methods for the enhancement of the biooxidative acid leaching of heavy metals from sulfide ore are disclosed and claimed. The enhancement of bioleach solutions with a nutrient supplement selective for a particular sulfide oxidizing strain of bacteria significantly increases copper solubilization of chalcopyrite ore. Likewise, copper solubilization is enhanced by enriching bioleach solutions with a non-selective growth mediums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: MBX Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia A. Rusin, James E. Sharp