Abstract: The leaching, precipitation and flotation method of recovering metals from ores is simplified by carrying out the leaching and precipitation steps simultaneously in the same reaction vessel. The method is particularly useful for recovering metals from low grade ores. During the leaching and precipitation step, mechanical comminution of the ore is also effected. The preferred reaction vessel is oscillated and the leaching and precipitation process is continuously effected by passage of the materials through the reaction vessel. The method is particularly suitable for recovering copper from oxygen containing copper ores.

Abstract: A ball or tube mill which includes at least one grinding compartment, support means for supporting the grinding compartment, drive means for eccentrically driving the grinding compartment and a plurality of inflatable bellows supporting the support means for oscillating movement. In a preferred form of the invention, the support means is supported on four spaced inflatable bellows inclined with respect to one another such that their central axes intersect at a cone apex above the center of the mill. Means may also be provided for adjusting the pressure within each of the bellows to thereby adjust the height of the bellows individually.

Abstract: Improved method adapted for the continuous precipitation of metal cement (especially copper cement) from an aqueous solution of a first metal (such as copper) mixed with pieces of second metal (such as iron) which is less noble than such first metal. The first metal cement depositing on the second metal pieces is loosened therefrom by means of constant but regulated movement of such pieces, and is separated and collected from the mixture.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for the precipitation of cement copper from a copper solution mixed with pieces of iron. The cement copper depositing on the iron pieces is loosened therefrom by means of constant movement of such pieces and then is separated and collected from the decopperized solution.

Abstract: A reactant gas is mixed intimately with a liquid and/or particulate solution in a pressurized container and agitated with high energy. Mixing occurs initially by spraying the liquid and gas together to form an emulsion with great surface contact between the reactants, and the emulsion mix is improved and maintained by agitating in the container. The container is carried on oscillatable supports and is driven by an imbalance drive for vertical oscillation in any of several configurations. Loose mixing balls or bodies are optionally carried in the container to increase the agitation and to grind solid particles carried into the solution. The grinding bodies also source protective reaction-deposited layers from the solid particles to speed the reaction. Pressure and temperature of the process is readily controlled.