Abstract: A method of processing a pyrite-containing slurry including removing pyrite from the pyrite-containing slurry and forming (i) an inert stream and (ii) a pyrite-containing material. Using the pyrite-containing material in a downstream leach step in which pyrite in the pyrite-containing material generates acid and heat that facilitates leaching a metal, such as copper or nickel or zinc or cobalt, from a metal-containing material.

Abstract: A method of recovering a metal, such as copper or nickel or zinc or cobalt, from a metal-containing material, such as a metal-containing material that has been categorized by a mine operator as being “non-economic” from the perspective of recovering the metal from the material. Mixing (i) the metal-containing material and (ii) pyrite and forming agglomerates. Leaching agglomerates with a leach liquor, with pyrite generating acid and heat that facilitate recovering the metal from the metal-containing material, and forming a pregnant leach liquor containing metal. Recovering the metal from the pregnant leach liquor.