Abstract: Methods and systems for rock recognition are provided.

Abstract: A composition of and method for forming activated carbon with magnetic properties for magnetic separation of the activated carbon from a liquid being treated is disclosed wherein a solution iron magnetic precursor is intimately mixed or absorbed into a porous carbon precursor or mixed with a solution or meltable carbon precursor to form an essentially homogeneous mixture or solution that when dried and pyrolized forms activated carbon particles with magnetic material evenly dispersed throughout the activated carbon material. The activated carbon particles may be of fine particle size, even powdered, and still retain magnetic properties sufficient for magnetic separation. In a particular aspect of the invention, a carbon precursor of soft wood is soaked in a solution of a ferric salt, dried, pyrolized and activated.

Abstract: A composition of and method for forming activated carbon with magnetic properties for magnetic separation of the activated carbon from a liquid being treated is disclosed wherein a solution iron magnetic precursor is intimately mixed or absorbed into a porous carbon precursor or mixed with a solution or meltable carbon precursor to form an essentially homogeneous mixture or solution that when dried and pyrolized forms activated carbon particles with magnetic material evenly dispersed throughout the activated carbon material. The activated carbon particles may be of fine particle size, even powdered, and still retain magnetic properties sufficient for magnetic separation. In a particular aspect of the invention, a carbon precursor of soft wood is soaked in a solution of a ferric salt, dried, pyrolized and activated.

Abstract: A method is provided for the dissolution of at least one precious metal selected from the group consisting of platinum group metals, gold and silver. The method comprises subjecting a material containing at least one of the precious metals to dissolution with a sulfuric acid solution maintained at a pH at least sufficient to complex the precious metal with bromide ions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, the amount of bromide ions in the solution being at least sufficient to form a soluble complex of the precious metal. The amount of oxidizing agent is at least sufficient to maintain a redox potential at least high enough to convert the precious metal to an ionic form conducive to forming a soluble bromide complex thereof.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering at least one platinum group metal from an ore containing the same. The method comprises reducing the particle size of the ore to provide the platinum group metal in a leachable condition following which the ore is subjected to leaching with a sulfuric acid solution maintained at a pH of less than 1 during leaching. The solution contains an amount of a soluble bromide compound at least sufficient to complex the platinum group metal while maintaining an amount of an oxidizing agent dissolved in the solutions at least sufficient to maintain the platinum group metal in an ionic form conducive to forming a soluble bromide complex, thereby dissolving substantial amounts of the platinum group metal.