Abstract: Disclosed is a process for extracting gold ions from an aqueous phase containing gold ions. The process comprises contacting the aqueous phase with an extractant phase consisting of or comprising an ionic liquid (IL) under liquid-liquid extraction conditions for a time sufficient to allow transfer of at least some of the gold ions from the aqueous phase to the extractant phase; and separating the extractant phase from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process for extracting a target metal ion from an aqueous feedstock containing, inter alia, the target metal ion. The process comprises providing said feedstock and contacting the feedstock with a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) that is substantially free of an extraneous organic extractant under liquid-liquid extraction conditions for a time sufficient to allow transfer of at least some of the target metal ions from the feedstock to the RTIL. The RTIL is then separated from the feedstock and the target metal ions are recovered from the RTIL.