Abstract: Methods for enhancing the leaching of copper from copper bearing ores with an aqueous sulfuric acid leach solution are disclosed wherein an antifoam formulation stable at a solution pH of about 1 to 2 is added. A preferred antifoam formulation comprises a glycol ester and an alkyl phenol ethoxylate in a paraffinic oil solvent added to the aqueous sulfuric acid leach solution.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting crud formation and organic in aqueous solvent and aqueous in organic solvent entrainment in the solvent extraction of copper from an aqueous sulfuric acid pregnant leach solution is disclosed. The method comprises adding an antifoam formulation stable at a solution pH of about 1 to 2 is added. A preferred antifoam formulation comprises a glycol ester and an alkyl phenol ethoxylate in a paraffinic oil solvent added to the acid solution.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the operation of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation by inhibiting acidic aerosol formation, allowing increased acid concentration and allowing higher operating temperature is disclosed wherein an antifoam formulation stable at a solution pH of about 1 to 2 is added. A preferred antifoam formulation comprises a glycol ester and an alkyl phenol ethoxylate in a paraffinic oil solvent added to the acid solution of an acid solvent extraction and electrowinning operation.

Abstract: A method in which a contaminated aqueous solution produced as a result of a hydrometallurgical extraction operation is passed through a filtering bed comprising a plurality of elements, optionally of differing sizes and shapes, formed from materials including plastics and their derivatives, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, teflon, etc., so as to remove organic phase residues, solids, and other contaminants therefrom. The method is complemented by a back wash stage using air and water to dislodge the contaminants from the bed to permit subsequent collection and/or treatment of these materials. The method exhibits technical and economic advantages that are very significant in comparison to traditional methods.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of organic materials trapped in the emulsions generated in solvent extraction plants. The emulsions are first washed in aqueous solution. The washed emulsions are then subjected to a mechanical breaking process in aqueous/organic dispersion, inducing the inversion of the continuity of phases in the emulsions and the release of the phases involved. Subsequent separation of the phases by decanting enables the removal of significant quantities of solids and increases the overall recovery of the organic trapped in the emulsions.