Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal leach and recovery process. The process involves subjecting a metal bearing material to a reactive process by combining said metal bearing material with a leaching agent to liberate at least one metal value and forming a first aqueous leach pulp. This first aqueous leach pulp is subjected to a solid liquid separation step thereby providing a first clarified aqueous leach solution and a second aqueous leach pulp. The first clarified aqueous leach solution is then subjected to solvent extraction thereby obtaining the first aqueous raffinate. The second aqueous leach pulp is subjected to at least two further solid liquid separation steps of which some or all are in a counter current decantation (CCD) arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal leach and recovery process. The process involves subjecting a metal bearing material to a reactive process by combining said metal bearing material with a leaching agent to liberate at least one metal value and forming a first aqueous leach pulp. This first aqueous leach pulp is subjected to a solid liquid separation step thereby providing a first clarified aqueous leach solution and a second aqueous leach pulp. The first clarified aqueous leach solution is then subjected to solvent extraction thereby obtaining the first aqueous raffmate. The second aqueous leach pulp is subjected to at least two further solid liquid separation steps of which some or all are in a counter current decantation (CCD) arrangement.

Abstract: Gravity sedimentation of a first aqueous suspension of solid particles in a vessel results in formation of a second aqueous suspension of solid particles in the present invention. The process involves adding at least one organic polymeric flocculant to the first aqueous suspension to form a suspension of flocculated solid. The flocculated solids settle to form a bed of consolidated solids. Introducing an effective amount of an agent into the bed of consolidated solids or into the flocculated solids that are settling leads to formation of the second aqueous suspension. The second aqueous suspension of solid particles has a higher solids content than the first aqueous suspension of solid particles. The agent is a free radical agent or an oxidizing agent.