Abstract: A method of recovering metal from heap leached ore is provided. The method includes supplying process fluid to a tank, distributing heap leached ore in the tank, optionally disrupting the flow of ore through the tank, creating a pregnant solution and discharging the process fluid, heap leached ore and pregnant solution from the tank to recover additional metal from the heap leached ore.

Abstract: There is provided a metals recovery system including at least one tank having a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion has an inlet and said bottom portion has an outlet, a process fluid delivery device in fluid communication with the tank for delivering a supply of process fluid to the tank, an ore delivery device for delivering a supply of ore into the tank through the inlet in the top portion of the tank, an agitator located within the tank for disrupting a downward flow path of the ore through the tank and an ejection device in communication with the bottom of the tank for transporting process fluid and ore from the tank to a location apart from the tank. Also provided is a method of recovering metal from ore by supplying a constant head pressure of process fluid to at least one tank, distributing ore into the tank, disrupting the flow of ore through the tank and discharging the ore and process fluid from the tank an into a processing apparatus.