Abstract: A continuous process for recovery of metals, especially precious metals, from various ores, involves pulverizing the ore to a particle size less than five microns, forming a colloidal suspension of the particles in a liquid, extracting metal from the slurry with a solvent, and separating the solvent from the particles centrifugally. Metals are recovered from the liquid solvent, which is recycled. Contacting of the slurry with fresh solvent is preferably effected in a staged counter-current centrifugal extraction unit.

Abstract: Timed or regulated air bursts are employed to agitate and oxygenate leachable ores or other material containing valuable leachable elements in the presence of a leaching solution. The process provides a homogenous mixing of fines within the leaching solution thereby reducing channeling within the ore.