Flotation Patents (Class 423/26)
  • Patent number: 11332806
    Abstract: A method for desulfurization and dezincification of tailings includes the step of passing tap water into a high oxidation reduction electrocatalytic water equipment to reduce the pH value of tap water to 1-2, mixing a specific ratio of the pH value 1-2 acid electrocatalytic water with low-quality high-sulfur iron in the tailings, heating the mixture to let H+ in the acid electrocatalytic water be reacted with sulfur and zinc in the low-quality high-sulfur iron and to further cause generation of an ion state of hydrogen sulfide gas where the volatilization of water vapor effectively removes the sulfur and zinc elements in the low-quality high-sulfur iron and the hydrogen sulfide gas thus generated is collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Kun-Liang Hong
  • Patent number: 10252276
    Abstract: An arrangement for recirculation of flotation gas in a mineral flotation process wherein the flotation gas volume fluctuations are handled by a closed pressure equalization loop including an apparatus for storing gas and adsorbing changes of gas pressure; a flushing line for connecting the pressure side of the primary gas recirculation loop to the apparatus for storing gas and adsorbing changes of gas pressure for allowing expulsion of a fraction of the flotation gas from the primary gas recirculation loop; and a suction line for connecting the suction side of the primary gas recirculation loop to the apparatus for storing gas and adsorbing changes of gas pressure, whereby the suction line comprises a pressure reducer for restricting flotation gas flow through the suction line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OY
    Inventor: Jukka Lakanen
  • Patent number: 9839917
    Abstract: In a method for recovering a copper sulfide concentrate by froth flotation from an ore containing an iron sulfide, wet grinding of the ore with grinding media made of high chromium cast iron alloy having a chromium content of from 10 to 35% by weight is combined with an addition of hydrogen peroxide to the conditioned mineral pulp before or during flotation in order to improve concentrate grade and recovery of copper sulfides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: Evonik Degussa GmbH, Magotteaux International S.A.
    Inventors: Christopher Greet, Gerhard Arnold, Ingo Hamann, Alan Hitchiner
  • Patent number: 8999034
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for improving metal extraction processes by introducing at least one cationically charged compound selected from a group consisting of amines, particularly quaternary amines such as alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chlorides (ADBAC compounds), polyamines and other suitable cationic organic materials, and mixtures thereof, for neutralizing and/or coagulating excess anionic organic compounds including, for example, flotation reagents, surfactants, polymers, flotation reagent by-products and/or anti-scalant additives found in metal concentrate streams, and thereby reduce the downstream fouling of the activated carbon by these compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Chemtreat, Inc.
    Inventors: John Richardson, Robert Bedinger, Kevin Gottschalk
  • Patent number: 8931642
    Abstract: A method of extracting targeted metallic minerals from ores that contain sulfide metallic minerals along with oxide minerals, carbonate minerals, silicate minerals, halide minerals or combinations thereof. In the method, an ore slurry containing the metallic mineral in oxide, carbonate, silicate or halide form is provided. The slurry is activated by adding sodium thiosulfate and sodium metabisulfite, whereby the targeted metallic mineral forms an intermediary metal complex with the sodium thiosulfate and sodium metabisulfite. One or more metal release components are introduced into the ore slurry; whereby the targeted metallic mineral is released from the intermediary metal complex to form a metal sponge. This metal sponge is then subjected to a flotation process, whereby the targeted metallic mineral is drawn out of the ore slurry and thereby extracted from the ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: William D. Simmons
  • Publication number: 20140369906
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods that can be used in the enrichment of metal sulfide ores in desired minerals in cases where the ores have sulfide-containing gangues. The method involves adding an oxidant to slurries prepared from the ores during, or immediately prior to froth flotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Arnold, Terry Brown, Ingo Hamann, Alan Hitchiner
  • Patent number: 8871162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of gold and copper recovery from gold-containing copper ores obtained from mixed oxide-sulfide copper ore bodies by a series of flotation stages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of gold and copper recovery whereby gold-containing ores obtained from mixed oxide-sulfide copper ore bodies, and/or copper flotation by-products thereof, are subjected to at least one flotation step following a dewatering step. In particular, it recovers copper and gold from the oxidized zone of porphyry and other mixed ore deposits. Likewise, the present process allows recovery of copper and gold from the tailings and scavenger concentrates which, in conventional process are no longer viable for further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio M. Ostrea
  • Patent number: 8741238
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides processes for producing an enriched copper concentrate from a copper-and-nickel-containing ore. Processes of the invention may include an initial step of comminuting the ore, to provide a ground ore comprising copper minerals and nickel minerals. The ground ore may be subjected to a floatation process, to separate the ground ore into distinct fractions, such as first and second concentrates. A first concentrate may for example be made up of copper-enriched-and-nickel-containing solids, while a second concentrate is made up of nickel-enriched-and-copper-containing solids. The floatation process may for example fractionate the ore so that the concentration of copper minerals is higher in the first concentrate than in the ore, and the concentration of the nickel minerals is higher in the second concentrate than the ore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Polymet Mining Corp.
    Inventor: David Bruce Dreisinger
  • Patent number: 8685350
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for separating an arsenic mineral from a copper-bearing material, including the steps of grinding a copper-bearing material containing arsenic, adding water to the copper-bearing material to prepare a slurry, and adding a flotation agent including a depressant, a frother, and a collector to the slurry and blowing air into the slurry for performing flotation to obtain a copper concentrate, wherein the depressant is a chelator. As the chelator, a polyethyleneamine or the like is used. Particularly, when triethylenetetramine is used as the chelator, the amount of triethylenetetramine to be added is preferably 1 to 10 equivalents relative to the amount of soluble copper generated by oxidation of the copper-bearing material, and the pH of the slurry is more preferably adjusted to 7 or more but 8 or less before the slurry is subjected to the flotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd., Kyushu University, National University Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Okamoto, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Hirajima, Keiko Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20140044618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of gold and copper recovery from gold-containing copper ores obtained from mixed oxide-sulfide copper ore bodies by a series of flotation stages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of gold and copper recovery whereby gold-containing ores obtained from mixed oxide-sulfide copper ore bodies, and/or copper flotation by-products thereof, are subjected to at least one flotation step following a dewatering step. In particular, it recovers copper and gold from the oxidized zone of porphyry and other mixed ore deposits. Likewise, the present process allows recovery of copper and gold from the tailings and scavenger concentrates which, in conventional process are no longer viable for further treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio M. Ostrea
  • Publication number: 20140044617
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides processes for producing an enriched copper concentrate from a copper-and-nickel-containing ore. Processes of the invention may include an initial step of comminuting the ore, to provide a ground ore comprising copper minerals and nickel minerals. The ground ore may be subjected to a floatation process, to separate the ground ore into distinct fractions, such as first and second concentrates. A first concentrate may for example be made up of copper-enriched-and-nickel-containing solids, while a second concentrate is made up of nickel-enriched-and-copper-containing solids. The floatation process may for example fractionate the ore so that the concentration of copper minerals is higher in the first concentrate than in the ore, and the concentration of the nickel minerals is higher in the second concentrate than the ore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Polymet Mining Corp.
    Inventor: David Bruce Dreisinger
  • Patent number: 8383070
    Abstract: A method of recovering rhenium (Re) and other metals from Re-bearing materials in the form of ammonium perrhenate having at least the step of adding Re-bearing materials into a leaching slurry. Additionally, the method has the step of adjusting the pH of the slurry to obtain Re in soluble form in a metal salt solution and insoluble residues; filtering the metal salt solution to remove the insoluble residues; selectively precipitating Re from the metal salt solution; filtering the Re precipitate from the metal salt solution to obtain a Re filtercake; and formulating and drying the Re filtercake to obtain a Re sulfide product. The method further has the step of combining the Re sulfide product with a Molybdenum (Mo) concentrate containing Re to obtain a Mo/Re concentrate; roasting the Mo/Re concentrate to obtain Mo oxide product and a flue gas containing Re; and treating the flue gas containing Re to obtain ammonium perrhenate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: World Resources Company, WRC World Resources Company GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Luederitz, Ulrich R. Schlegel, Peter T. Halpin, Dale L. Schneck
  • Publication number: 20130004389
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for separating an arsenic mineral from a copper-bearing material, including the steps of grinding a copper-bearing material containing arsenic, adding water to the copper-bearing material to prepare a slurry, and adding a flotation agent including a depressant, a frother, and a collector to the slurry and blowing air into the slurry for performing flotation to obtain a copper concentrate, wherein the depressant is a chelator. As the chelator, a polyethyleneamine or the like is used. Particularly, when triethylenetetramine is used as the chelator, the amount of triethylenetetramine to be added is preferably 1 to 10 equivalents relative to the amount of soluble copper generated by oxidation of the copper-bearing material, and the pH of the slurry is more preferably adjusted to 7 or more but 8 or less before the slurry is subjected to the flotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: KYUSHU UNIVERSITY NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION, SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO LTD
    Inventors: Hideyuki Okamoto, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Hirajima, Keiko Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8257671
    Abstract: A method of leaching copper sulfide ore includes leaching copper from copper sulfide ore using a sulfuric acid solution comprising iodide ion and iron (III) ion surplus to the iodide ion as a leaching solution; reducing iodine in a solution obtained after the leaching step to less than 1 mg/L by an activated carbon treatment; and oxidizing iron (II) ion or newly added iron (II) ion in a solution obtained after the iodine reduction step by using iron oxidizing microbes to recover iron (III) ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kuwano, Atsuko Abe, Manabu Manabe, Akira Miura
  • Patent number: 8221709
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for separating gangue material from metallic sulfide ores. The compositions typically include a lignosolfonate and do not include a cyanide salt. Suitable lignosulfonates may include lignosulfonates, for example hardwood lignosulfonate having a weight average molecular weight of about 3 kDa to about 12 kDa and having a relatively low sulfur content and a relatively low sulfonate content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: LignoTech USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Gargulak, Lori L. Bushar
  • Publication number: 20120027652
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides processes for producing an enriched copper concentrate from a copper-and-nickel-containing ore. Processes of the invention may include an initial step of comminuting the ore, to provide a ground ore comprising copper minerals and nickel minerals. The ground ore may be subjected to a floatation process, to separate the ground ore into distinct fractions, such as first and second concentrates. A first concentrate may for example be made up of copper-enriched-and-nickel-containing solids, while a second concentrate is made up of nickel-enriched-and-copper-containing solids. The floatation process may for example fractionate the ore so that the concentration of copper minerals is higher in the first concentrate than in the ore, and the concentration of the nickel minerals is higher in the second concentrate than the ore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Polymet Mining Corp.
    Inventor: David Bruce Dreisinger
  • Patent number: 8088347
    Abstract: Process for recovering copper sulphide and optionally molybdenum sulphide from a copper bearing ore by froth flotation includes crushing said ore, mixing the obtained ground powder with at least a collector and water, aerating the slurry, and removing and concentrating the mineral froth formed at the surface of the bath, wherein the collector comprises a thioglycolic acid derivate having the following formula: wherein R1 is N or O, and R2 is an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: S.P.C.M. SA
    Inventors: Daniel Canady, Mark Dewald
  • Patent number: 8025859
    Abstract: A process for the extraction of a precious metal, such as gold or silver, from a sulphide ore or concentrate or other source material comprises subjecting the source material to pressure oxidation to produce a pressure oxidation slurry. The pressure oxidation slurry is flashed down to a lower temperature and pressure and is then subjected to a liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation solution and a solid residue containing the precious metal. The solid residue is then subjected to cyanidation to extract the precious metal. The formation of thiocyanide during cyanidation is minimized or counteracted by effecting the cyanidation at an elevated oxygen pressure and a reduced retention time, such as 30 to 90 minutes. A method for the reduction of copper cyanide formation during cyanidation leaching is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: CESL Limited
    Inventor: David L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7922788
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to flotation of refractory gold sulfide ores in which the ore is ground, floated, the tailings reground, and refloated to produce gold-bearing concentrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Barrick Gold Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Hillier, Barun Gorain, Jacques McMullen
  • Publication number: 20110020198
    Abstract: Process for recovering copper sulphide and optionally molybdenum sulphide from a copper bearing ore by froth flotation includes crushing said ore, mixing the obtained ground powder with at least a collector and water, aerating the slurry, and removing and concentrating the mineral froth formed at the surface of the bath, wherein the collector comprises a thioglycolic acid derivate having the following formula: wherein R1 is N or O, and R2 is an alkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: SNF FLOMIN INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Canady, Mark Dewald
  • Patent number: 7811534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of copper-bearing materials, such as copper concentrates, so that the impurities and gangue minerals in the materials, such as silicates, are in effect removed completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Stig-Erik Hultholm, Seppo Heimala, Teemu Ritasalo, Mikko Ruonala
  • Publication number: 20100233050
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for separating gangue material from metallic sulfide ores. The compositions typically include a lignosulfonate and do not include a cyanide salt. Suitable lignosulfonates may include lignosulfonates, for example hardwood lignosulfonate having a weight average molecular weight of about 3 kDa to about 12 kDa and having a relatively low sulfur content and a relatively low sulfonate content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: LIGNOTECH USA, INC.
    Inventors: Jerry D. Gargulak, Lori L. Bushar
  • Patent number: 7666371
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, Wayne W Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R Baughman
  • Patent number: 7576244
    Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently C1-C2 alkyl, and m is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and compositions of formula (II) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently C1-C4 alkyl, and n is an integer >_0 and wherein the average molar value of n for the total of the compounds of formula (II) in said composition is in the range of (1) to (3) and methods for production thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Huntsman Corporation Australia Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Philip Joseph Leeming, Stewart John Knight, Salvatore Lazzaro, Jeffrey Roy Aston, David Hayshiv Parris
  • Patent number: 7491372
    Abstract: A chemical process to leach copper concentrates in the presence of a concentrated solution of sulfates and chlorides. The process includes forming a high reactivity chemical paste containing a high concentration of ions in the liquid phase of the paste which react with copper ores and forms a series of soluble salts. The salts are extracted by a simple wash. Mixing equipment for handling high viscosity liquids is used. The total mixing time is about 5 minutes, after which the paste is poured into a rectangular mold, of several hundred meters per side, and is left to settle and breathe. During settling, water and sulfuric acid are added at intervals to replace that consumed by the reactions taking place during the aeration, until the reactions have virtually end. This treatment results in a dry, very resistant mass, containing the copper extracted in form of chlorine salts, and sulfate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Minera Michilla S.A.
    Inventors: Jamie Rauld Faine, Freddy Aroca Alfaro, Raúl Montealegre Jullian, Abraham Backit Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 7482495
    Abstract: A process for making an alkylene glycol ether composition is disclosed. In one aspect, the process comprises reacting propylene glycol methyl ether (PM) with from 1.5 to 3 equivalents of propylene oxide (PO). The resulting alkoxylation mixture is distilled to provide a composition comprising at least 30 wt. % of TPM and less than 20 wt. % of DPM. In another process of the invention, DPM reacts with from 0.5 to 1.5 equivalents of PO in similar fashion to make an analogous product. Also disclosed are alkylene glycol ether compositions made by the process of the invention and use of the compositions in a method for recovering metals from metallic ores by froth flotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Lyondell Chemical Technology, L.P.
    Inventor: Farhad Fadakar
  • Patent number: 7435405
    Abstract: By suppressing oxidation of sulfide minerals in sulfide ore due to bacteria or the like, this invention prevents the elution of heavy metals from the sulfide ore, and reduces the decrease in flotation performance when processing sulfide ore that is stored in a stockpile. Also, the invention makes it easier to process acidic wastewater from a stockpile or tailings dumpsite. In order to accomplish this, oxidation of sulfide minerals in sulfide ore is suppressed by adding an antioxidant, which contains plant polyphenol and whose main component is an organic acid that contains a carboxyl group, to the sulfide ore stored in a stockpile or tailings dumpsite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Ryoichi Nakayama, Hideyuki Okamoto, Masaki Imamura
  • Publication number: 20080152558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of copper-bearing materials, such as copper concentrates, so that the impurities and gangue minerals in the materials, such as silicates, are in effect removed completely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Stig-Erik Hultholm, Seppo Heimala, Teemu Ritasalo, Mikko Ruonala
  • Patent number: 7387767
    Abstract: A process for recovering nickel and cobalt values from nickel- and cobalt-containing laterite ores as an enriched mixed nickel and cobalt sulphide intermediate and for producing nickel and cobalt metal from the nickel and cobalt sulphide intermediate. The laterite ore is leached as a slurry in a pressure acid leach containing an excess of aqueous sulphuric acid at high pressure and temperature, excess free acid in the leach slurry is partially neutralized to a range of 5 to 10 g/L residual free H2SO4 and washed to yield a nickel- and cobalt-containing product liquor, the product liquor is subjected to a reductant to reduce any Cr(VI) in solution to Cr(III), the reduced product liquor is neutralized to precipitate ferric iron and silicon at a pH of about 3.5 to 4.0, and the neutralized and reduced product liquor is contacted with hydrogen sulphide gas to precipitate nickel and cobalt sulphides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Dynatec Corporation
    Inventors: Finlay Campbell, Michael Collins, Ian Masters, Lyle Trytten
  • Patent number: 7219804
    Abstract: A method of flotation processing ores and other mineral materials containing soluble nonferrous base metal and sulfide minerals involves dissolving the soluble nonferrous base metal and precipitating the soluble nonferrous base metal in the form of a floatable precipitate that is collected as part of a sulfide concentrate. The use of an oxygen-deficient flotation gas, such as nitrogen gas, promotes the precipitation of the floatable precipitate. A method for removing dissolved nonferrous base metal from solution involves contacting the solution with a particulate containing sulfide minerals under conditions promoting precipitation of the nonferrous base metal onto the sulfide mineral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Newmont USA Limited
    Inventors: Gary L. Simmons, John C. Gathje
  • Patent number: 7018593
    Abstract: A method of recovering base metal from a tailings dump which includes the steps of: aerating a surface layer of the dump; adjusting the pH and the moisture content of the surface layer to provide conditions favourable for bacterial oxidation of sulphide minerals; allowing bacterial oxidation to take place for a controlled period, after the controlled period removing the oxidized surface layer and adding water thereto for form a slurry; separating the slurry into solids and a solution; and recovering base metal from the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Billiton SA Limited
    Inventors: Peter Michael Craven, Trevor Hugh Tunley
  • Patent number: 6965629
    Abstract: A nanopowder synthesis system having an autofuser device which obviates the need for external power switches, and which accommodates repeated discharges (of the order of 107) between ablating electrodes of precursor material at a high repetition rate (?1 Hz).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Nanotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Schroder, Douglas Keith Jackson, Stephen James Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6953120
    Abstract: A method of recovering metal and/or oxide thereof from a slurry is described. The method involves magnetically separating at least a portion of any magnetic impurities from the slurry and then leaching or dissolving at least a portion of any remaining magnetic impurities in a slurry. At least one chelating agent can then be added to the slurry and the solids can be recovered from the slurry by various separation techniques. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful in the recovery of tantalum and/or oxide thereof especially tantalum and/or oxide thereof having a very fine size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Claude Deveau, Stephen R. Young
  • Patent number: 6875254
    Abstract: Methods for detecting gold and quantitating gold in ore samples utilizing a gold-specific protein are provided, including methods for multiple sample handling. Also provided are methods for extracting gold from mineral suspensions utilizing a magnetic mineral binding reagent and gold-specific protein, or hydrophobic reagent and gold-specific protein in conjunction with a flotation reagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignees: University of Washington, Placer Dome, Inc.
    Inventors: Clement E. Furlong, Scott Jorgenson-Soelberg, James B. Clendenning, Noel W. Kirshenbaum, Victor Chevillon, Peter Leon Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 6680034
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for recovering copper and other metal values from metal-containing materials through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with the various aspects of the present invention, metal-containing pregnant leach solutions from pressure leaching operations need not be significantly diluted to facilitate effective metal recovery using solvent extraction and electrowinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Phelps Dodge Corporation
    Inventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, Wayne W. Hazen, Philip Thompson, David R. Baughman
  • Publication number: 20020039974
    Abstract: A flotation agent including an oxidized paraffinic product which may be a Fischer-Tropach reaction product obtained by way of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction from carbon monoxide and hydrogen feed. A process for the production of a synthetic fatty acid suitable as a substitute for naturally derived fatty acid in various applications is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Derick Raymond Johannes, Johannes Jurie Human
  • Patent number: 6251163
    Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers precious metals from refractory carbonaceous precious metal ores by floating a portion of the ground ore, blending the concentrate with an unfloated portion of the ore, autogenously autoclaving the blended material, cooling the oxidized slurry by dilution, leaching the oxidized slurry after dilution in the presence of a thiosulfate lixiviant, and recovering the precious metal by suitable techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Placer Dome, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. King
  • Patent number: 6210648
    Abstract: A method is provided for flotation of refractory auriferous sulfide using an oxygen-deficient flotation gas. The method is particularly suited for non-selective flotation of different iron-containing sulfide mineral species. Comminution prior to flotation may be performed in an oxygen-deficient environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Newmont Mining Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gathje, Gary L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6200377
    Abstract: An improved process for the beneficiation of mixtures of mineral particles (such as kaolin clays) containing minerals which chelate with hydroxamates. The use of a silicon-containing compound in combination with a hydroxamate results in a more effective separation of minerals which chelate with the hydroxamate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Thiele Kaolin Company
    Inventors: Cesar I. Basilio, J. Michael Randolph
  • Patent number: 5902977
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process that employs both non-selective flotation and oxidative leaching of the resulting concentrates to recover an increased amount of copper from porphyry copper ores. The non-selective flotation step uses collectors and conditions, such as pH, that are conducive to the strong flotation of sulfide minerals generally. In the oxidative leach, the copper sulfide minerals in the concentrate fraction are oxidized to copper compounds, which are soluble in the leach solution. The oxidative leach includes the use of ammonia and sulfite under agitation leaching conditions to convert the copper sulfide minerals into ammonia soluble forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: COPROCO Development Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Arbiter
  • Patent number: 5837210
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a gold-bearing sulfide ore which involves maintaining the ore in a substantially oxygen free environment, preferably beginning with comminution of the ore and ending when a desired final concentrate, enriched in sulfide minerals, is obtained by flotation. In one embodiment, nitrogen gas is used to substantially prevent contact between the ore and air during comminution of the ore and during flotation operations. It is believed that oxygen gas present in air detrimentally affects the recovery of sulfide minerals in a flotation concentrate through surface oxidation of sulfide mineral particles. The use of a gas such as nitrogen can significantly reduce the potential for such surface oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Newmont Gold Company
    Inventors: Gary L. Simmons, John C. Gathje
  • Patent number: 5807479
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process that employs both non-selective flotation and oxidative leaching of the resulting concentrates to recover an increased amount of copper from porphyry copper ores. The non-selective flotation step uses collectors and conditions, such as pH, that are conducive to the strong flotation of sulfide minerals generally. In the oxidative leach, the copper sulfide minerals in the concentrate fraction are oxidized to copper compounds, which are soluble in the leach solution. The oxidative leach includes the use of ammonia and sulfite under agitation leaching conditions to convert the copper sulfide minerals into ammonia soluble forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: COPROCO Development Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Arbiter
  • Patent number: 5795465
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process that employs both non-selective flotation and oxidative leaching of the resulting concentrates to recover an increased amount of copper from porphyry copper ores. The non-selective flotation step uses collectors and conditions, such as pH, that are conducive to the strong flotation of sulfide minerals generally. In the oxidative leach, the copper sulfide minerals in the concentrate fraction are oxidized to copper compounds, which are soluble in the leach solution. The oxidative leach includes the use of ammonia and sulfite under agitation leaching conditions to convert the copper sulfide minerals into ammonia soluble forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Coproco Development Corporation
    Inventor: Nathaniel Arbiter
  • Patent number: 5792235
    Abstract: A method for recovering precious metals from carbonaceous ore comprising leaching the ore with a lixiviant solution and then preg-robbingly concentrating the precious metal-lixiviant complexes in solution on to the native carbonaceous component of the ore for subsequent recovery. The preg-robbing capacity of the native carbonaceous component of the ore can be augmented by adding recycled carbonaceous matter or finely ground carbon to the ore-lixiviant mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Geobiotics, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Kohr
  • Patent number: 5770170
    Abstract: There is provided a novel class of additives, specifically coals, which are useful in zinc extraction processes involving one or more pressure leach stages carried out at temperatures above the melting point of sulphur. Such processes may include those incorporating a single stage pressure leach, a process involving two stage countercurrent or cocurrent pressure leaches or a multistage leach process for recovering zinc, lead and silver from zinc bearing sulphidic materials which also contain lead and silver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: 698638 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael J. Collins, Donald K. Kofluk
  • Patent number: 5653945
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a gold-bearing sulfide ore which involves maintaining the ore in a substantially oxygen free environment, preferably beginning with comminution of the ore and ending when a desired final concentrate, enriched in sulfide minerals, is obtained by flotation. In one embodiment, nitrogen gas is used to substantially prevent contact between the ore and air during comminution of the ore and during flotation operations. It is believed that oxygen gas present in air detrimentally affects the recovery of sulfide minerals in a flotation concentrate through surface oxidation of sulfide mineral particles. The use of a gas such as nitrogen can significantly reduce the potential for such surface oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Santa Fe Pacific Gold Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gathje, Gary L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5443621
    Abstract: A method for recovering precious metals from carbonaceous ore comprising leaching the ore with a lixiviant solution and then preg-robbingly concentrating the precious metal-lixiviant complexes in solution on to the native carbonaceous component of the ore for subsequent recovery. The preg-robbing capacity of the native carbonaceous component of the ore can be augmented by adding recycled carbonaceous matter or finely ground carbon to the ore-lixiviant mixture. Furthermore, after the carbonaceous component of the ore is separated from the gangue, the gangue material can be treated in a hot CIL process to further increase the recovery of the precious metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Giobiotics, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Kohr
  • Patent number: 5348713
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering zinc, lead, copper and precious metals from zinc plant residue, said process comprising leaching the residue with return zinc spent electrolyte, neutralizing residual acid and reducing ferric iron in the solution by addition of zinc sulphide concentrate in the presence of a limited quantity of oxygen, flotation of the resulting slurry to separate unreacted zinc sulphide, treatment of flotation tailings with sulphur dioxide and elemental sulphur to further leach iron, zinc and impurity elements and precipitate copper, flotation of the resulting slurry to separate a copper sulphide concentrate, thickening, filtering and washing of the flotation tailings followed by addition of lime and sodium sulphide to activate lead sulphate and flotation of a lead concentrate from the residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Sherritt Gordon Limited
    Inventors: Derek E. Kerfoot, Michael J. Collins, Michael E. Chalkley
  • Patent number: 5320759
    Abstract: A process for selectively recovering dissolved heavy metals from a solution is disclosed that involves selectively reacting a xanthate with such dissolved heavy metals. Selective reaction of a xanthate with selected dissolved heavy metals is accomplished by conducting the reaction under conditions such that only some of the heavy metals react with the xanthate, to the exclusion of reaction with other dissolved heavy metals. Selectivity of the reaction is particularly influenced by the pH at which the reaction occurs. Typically, the reaction should occur at a pH below about 4.0. Xanthates, once reacted, can be separated from the heavy metal xanthate reaction product and recycled for use within the process. Purified heavy metal product can be produced if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Hazen Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Enzo Coltrinari
  • Patent number: H2082
    Abstract: A flotation agent including an oxidized paraffinic product which may be a Fischer-Tropach reaction product obtained by way of the Fischer-Tropsch reaction from carbon monoxide and hydrogen feed. A process for the production of a synthetic fatty acid suitable as a substitute for naturally derived fatty acid in various applications is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Schumann Sasol (SA)
    Inventors: Derick Raymond Johannes, Johannes Jurie Human