Abstract: A non-polluting chemical process for recovery of metals from metal containing ores or other solid materials by:(1) Treating the ore with a large volume of an aqueous solution containing chloride and hypochlorite ions (lixiviant solution);(2) Recovering the solubilized metal values from the lixiviant solution by cementation;(3) Regenerating the hypochlorite ion by electrochemical means; and(4) Recycling the lixiviant solution.In certain instances, steps (3) and (4) may be omitted with hypochlorite ion being provided as makeup to the circuit from external sources. The process of this invention has been shown to be effective for use with ores containing carbonate and cyanicidic minerals, including calcite.

Abstract: A chemical, electro-chemical process for recovering meta values from a zinc- or lead-containing material comprises:in a solubilization stage, oxidizing the zinc- or lead-containing material by treating said material with a ferric chloride leach solution;when solubilized lead is present, separating it from the pregnant liquor forming an essentially lead free solution;dividing this essentially lead free solution into two portions;passing one portion of the essentially lead free solution into the anolyte compartment of a Zn.degree. producing electrolysis stage for use as the ferrous ion-containing anolyte thereof;separating iron from the second portion of the essentially lead free solution, forming an essentially iron free solution;passing the essentially iron free solution into the catholyte compartment of said Zn.degree. producing electrolysis stage for use as the catholyte thereof;conducting electrolysis in said Zn.degree.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for pollution-free recovery of metallic antimony from stibnite and other antimony-containing materials by (a) reduction of ferric chloride by such materials to produce ferric chloride and antimony (III) chloride, (b) recovery of metallic antimony, preferably by electrolysis, (c) regeneration of the ferric chloride, and (d) purge of impurities. Optionally, the metallic antimony thus produced may be subsequently oxidized if desired to produce high purity antimony oxide. The process is amenable to cyclical operation.