Abstract: A process and apparatus for the recovery of heavy metals from a heavy metal-contaminated material wherein the heavy metal, or particles containing the heavy metal, are separated from the material by a hydraulic mineral separator. The process and apparatus may be used, for example, in removing or recovering of mercury from a mercury-contaminated soil, caustic sludge, or similar material. The process provides a ready method for removal of mercury from mercury-contaminated materials or, more generally, heavy metals from heavy metal contaminated soils which process can allow recovery of the mercury or heavy metal for re-use. The apparatus allows for continuous operation of the mineral separator and automates various functions of the separator allowing for improved control of the process.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of heavy metals, and in particular, mercury from a heavy metal-contaminated soil, or the recovery of mercury from a mercury-contaminated material, wherein the particles containing the heavy metal or mercury are separated from soil or mercury-contaminated material by a hydraulic mineral separator. The process may additionally include pre-classification of the soil particles to form a sample having essentially constant soil particle size prior to separation in the mineral separator. The process provides a ready method for removal of mercury from mercury-contaminated materials or heavy metals from heavy metal contaminated soils which process can allow recovery of the mercury or heavy metal for re-use. Alternatively, the process provides a smaller volume of mercury- or heavy metal-contaminated soil or material to be treated.