Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering metals from metal-bearing material, said process comprising the step of contacting the metal-bearing material with condensed phosphoric acid at a temperature of greater than 215° C. and less than 300° C. for a period of time sufficient to at least partially dissolve the metal-bearing material; to provide a leaching solution containing metal ions. The invention is applicable to a range of metals including the rare earth elements, as well as thorium and uranium. The invention is applicable to a range of metal-bearing materials, particularly phosphate minerals such as monazite and xenotime.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for removing elemental mercury from liquid natural gas comprising changing the stabilizer column operating conditions to beneficially transfer mercury from the stabilized condensate phase to the overhead gas phase, where it may be compressed and recycled with the gas going to the existing feed gas mercury removal units.