Abstract: The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore or concentrate for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore. Nickel is extracted with an oxime at a lower pH than other processes for extraction of nickel from solution, especially after separation of iron and cobalt values.

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a titaniferous ore material comprising the step of leaching the ore material at atmospheric pressure with a lixiviant comprising magnesium chloride and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. Iron and titanium are leached into solution. Iron in the ferric state may be separated from titanium in solution using extraction with alkyl ketone. More effective separation of titanium with lower contamination with iron is obtained.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of gold from a gold-bearing ore or concentrate, comprising the steps of leaching the gold-bearing ore or concentrate with a lixiviant of hydrochloric acid and magnesium chloride at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of at least 90° C. and an Eh of at least 900 mV. After a liquid/solids separation step, the solution obtained is subjected to an organic solvent extraction step using an oxime to obtain a solution of organic solvent containing gold, which is stripped with sodium thiosulphate to recover gold. The extraction may be operated to extract gold with or without iron. Materials used in the process may be recycled. The process avoids environmental and other hazards associated with the use of cyanide to extract gold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to storage batteries, also known as rechargeable batteries, using a chloride electrolyte, especially in which the electrolyte is a ternary chloroaluminate. In particular embodiments, the electrolyte is molten chloroaluminate and especially molten at a temperature of about 140° C. In another embodiment, the electrolyte is in a liquid state, especially at a temperature in the range of ?27° C. to 110° C. The preferred electrodes are aluminum and graphite. The batteries have a variety of uses, particularly including storage of electricity for future use.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of rare earth elements, including yttrium, from a rare earth element-bearing ore or concentrate, comprising the steps of leaching the rare earth element-bearing ore or concentrate with a lixiviant of hydrochloric acid and magnesium chloride at atmospheric pressure at a temperature of from 90° C. to the boiling point of the solution and at an Eh of at least 200 mV. After a liquid/solids separation step, the solution obtained is subjected to steps for removal of iron and for recovery of rare earth elements. Alternatively, rare earth element-bearing ore or concentrate may be leached with sulphuric acid and liquid obtained subjected to extraction of iron and other impurities. Raffinate obtained may be treated with oxalic acid, the precipitate dissolved in hydrochloric acid and subjected to solvent extraction for rare earth elements or the raffinate may be subjected to solvent extraction for removal of rare earth elements and then stripped with hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the leaching of a laterite ore, concentrate, tailings or waste rock for the recovery of value metals, at least one value metal being nickel. The laterite ore or concentrate is subjected to a leaching step with a lixiviant comprising hydrochloric acid to leach nickel from the laterite ore, followed by a liquid/solids separation step. The liquid obtained is subject to solvent extraction with a dialkyl ketone, to obtain a solution rich in iron and a raffinate. Separation of iron from cobalt and nickel is obtained.

Abstract: A process to the production of silicon from amorphous silica is disclosed. The amorphous silica is formed from a material rich in silica, especially rice husk ash or silica fume. The process comprises subjecting the amorphous silica to leaching with a lixiviant of aqueous mineral acid, especially hydrochloric acid. Preferably, material rich in silica is roasted at a temperature of not more than 850° C., subjected to leaching and then subjected to a second roasting at a temperature of less than 750° C. The process provides for the production of high purity silicon, especially to the production of solar grade silicon (SoG-Si).

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a titanium-bearing ore material comprising the step of leaching the ore material at atmospheric pressure with a lixiviant comprising a chloride and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. The leaching conditions are such that titanium is leached and remains in solution. The temperature is maintained at less that 85° C., and the concentration of hydrochloric acid is preferably less than 20% (mass ratio). The preferred chloride is magnesium chloride. The lixiviant may contain oxidant e.g. sodium chlorate or chlorine.

Abstract: A finely ground powder comprising a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite. Preferably, the amount of said compound is 0.4 to 1% by weight of the powder. A composition comprising Portland cement and finely ground powder, said finely ground powder being a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite. A method for the treatment of fly ash comprising the step of subjecting a mixture of fly ash and a compound selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, alkali and alkaline earth metal oxides, and metakaolinite, preferably in which the fly ash has been treated for removal of carbon and in particular to increase the amount of crystalline phase.