Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an industrially excellent method for removing lead that is high in removal effect of lead, capable of implementing the removal even in small facilities and of suppressing capital investment cost. A material to be treated selected from the group consisting of a pure metal and an alloy is heated to obtain a melt. The melt is contacted with at least one of a metal halide and a metal oxyhalide to remove lead in the material to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for mobilizing metallic ruthenium or ruthenium compounds from solids to form volatile ruthenium compounds by means of a gas stream containing a hydrogen halide and carbon monoxide, preferably hydrogen chloride and carbon monoxide, and for isolating the previously mobilized ruthenium compounds, preferably by deposition with cooling, e.g. in relatively cold zones, in particular on relatively cold surfaces, absorption in suitable solutions or adsorption on suitable support materials.

Abstract: In a method for leaching gold from copper sulfides, the sulfide ores are first subjected to leaching of copper, thereby producing a leaching residue having 7.9% or less of the copper content. This leaching residue is mixed with a leach liquor, which contains the chloride ion and ferric ion and has 1.9 or less of pH. Gold and copper can be effectively leached from the copper sulfide ores. Ordinarily used oxidizing reagents such as hydrogen peroxide or nitric acid are not used. The gold, copper and iron can, therefore, be leached in a single process and by using an identical leaching liquor. The rate of gold leaching reaction can be enhanced by the co-presence of either copper or bromide ion or both together with the chloride and iron ion.

Abstract: A nickel powder exhibits superior oxidation behavior, reduction behavior and sintering behavior in a production process for a multilayer ceramic capacitor and is suitable for the capacitor; a production method therefor is also provided. The nickel powder, which may be used as a raw material, is treated with a sulfur-containing compound, and the sulfur-containing compound is coated on the surface thereof, or alternatively, a nickel-sulfur compound layer is formed on the surface thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for obtaining metal values, typically base metals, platinum or gold from a feed material. In a first step of the process of the invention, feed material containing metal values is ground to a particle size d90 of 100 microns or less to form an ultra fine pulp. In a second step of the process of the invention, the ultra fine ground pulp from the first step is oxygenated by pumping it in multiple passes through an in-line high shear static oxygenation device (30), while re-circulating it on a tank (28) or any other vessel. The process of the invention results in a significant reduction in the required leach time, improved recoveries, reduced cyanide consumptions, a steadier gold tail, as well as reduced capital and operational expenditure.

Abstract: A method of making a cobalt-boron alloy includes contacting an aqueous suspension of an oxide of cobalt, particularly a highly crystalline cobalt oxide, with a borohydride such as sodium borohydride. The resulting alloy may be used as a catalyst to produce gaseous hydrogen by hydrolysis of aqueous sodium borohydride.

Abstract: Small magnetic particles are introduced into a solution which is subjected to a bioleaching process. The particles are coated with a substance which has a selective affinity for, and which interacts with, a metal in the solution. The particles are taken from the solution and the metal is recovered from the particles.

Abstract: Multi-layered macromolecules wherein the layers are covalently bonded together and wherein the macromolecules are covalently bonded to solid particulate substrates, methods for the preparation of such compositions, and methods for their uses in a multitude of end use applications ranging from the purification of waste chemical and metal process streams to the separation and identification of proteins, peptides, and oligionucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a precious metal recovery process in which carbonaceous material, such as preg robbing carbon, is floated after sulfide oxidation to separate the carbonaceous material from the precious metal.

Abstract: A method for suppressing mercury dissolution during pressure oxidation of precious metal-containing materials in the presence of halogens and halides is provided. Pressure oxidation is performed under controlled oxidative conditions to maintain the mercury predominantly in the solid residue.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for continuously stripping or recovering values from a value bearing material, typically a slurry or solution thereof. The resin and value bearing material are contacted in a counter-current manner in a contact zone to load the resin with values from the value bearing material. The resin is fluidised by the value bearing material in the contact zone. The loaded resin is passed through a first washing zone to displace excess value bearing material. The loaded resin then passes through a stripping zone, typically an acid or alkali, to strip the values from the resin and form an eluate, which is treated further to recover the values. The stripped resin is washed in a second washing zone, to displace excess stripping agent, and returned to the contact zone.

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a base metal sulfide ore, comprising the step of leaching the ore with a lixiviant comprising a chloride, an oxidant and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. The leaching is controlled, by use of low concentrations of hydrochloric acid and a redox potential, to effect formation of hydrogen sulfide from the base metal sulfide ore. The hydrogen sulfide is stripped from the leach solution, thereby reducing the amount of sulfate generated in the leach to very low levels. The leaching may also be conducted to limit the co-dissolution of platinum group metals and gold with the base value metals. The leach forms a value metal-rich leachate and a solids residue. The solids residue may be subsequently leached to recover the platinum group metals and gold. The value metal-rich leachate can be oxidized and neutralized to recover the value base metals.

Abstract: “HYBRID PROCESS USING ION EXCHANGE RESINS IN THE SELECTIVE RECOVERY OF NICKEL AND COBALT FROM LEACHING EFFLUENTS” The present invention is directed to a hybrid process using ion exchange resins in the selective recovery of nickel and cobalt of leaching effluents that is comprised of the steps of processing (1) the laterite ore (M), which is then treated through leaching (2) (either atmospheric or under pressure), considering solutions from the solid-liquid separation step of existing plants already in operation (2) as well, in a way that the downstream process comprises an ion exchange hybrid circuit, wherein the first ion exchange step (3) with resins (Re) exhibits specific selectivity conditions for the removal of iron, aluminum and copper and an increased pH, and the second ion exchange step (4) allows the removal of nickel and cobalt.

Abstract: An improved method of reducing a mixed metal oxide composition comprising oxides of nickel, cobalt, copper and iron in a hydrogen atmosphere to produce a mixture of the respective metals, the improvement wherein the atmosphere further comprises water vapour at a concentration, temperature and time to effect selective reduction of the oxides of nickel cobalt and copper relative to the iron oxide to produce the metallic mixture having a reduced ratio of metallic iron relative to metallic nickel, cobalt and copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying sulphuric acids, in particular metal-containing sulphuric acids, characterized in that monodisperse ion exchangers having chelating functional groups are used.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to form a pattern of a functional material on a substrate. The method uses an elastomeric stamp having a relief structure with a raised surface and having a modulus of elasticity of at least 10 MegaPascal. A liquid composition of the functional material and a liquid is applied to the relief structure and the liquid is removed to form a film on the raised surface. The elastomeric stamp transfers the functional material from the raised surface to the substrate to form a pattern of the functional material on the substrate. The method is suitable for the fabrication of microcircuitry for electronic devices and components.

Abstract: The invention relates to recovering metals, such as nickel and cobalt, by phytomining or phytoextracting soils rich in metals wherein the desired metal is selectively accumulated in hyperaccumulator plants by adjusting the soil pH. The metals are ultimately recovered from above-ground plant tissues at economically acceptable levels without further contaminating the metal-containing sites. The invention also relates to metal-hyperaccumulating plants.

Abstract: Method for the purification of a volatile metal hydride comprising obtaining a volatile metal hydride feed containing one or more acidic impurities, one of which is a sulfur-containing impurity; contacting the feed with an alkaline material and reacting at least a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity with the alkaline material to remove a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity from the feed and provide an intermediate purified material, wherein the contacting of the feed with an alkaline material is effected at a sub-ambient temperature; and contacting the intermediate purified product with an adsorbent material to remove at least a portion of the sulfur-containing impurity from the intermediate purified material and provide a purified volatile metal hydride product.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for (1) extracting metals from soil by the use of plants that extract and accumulate the metal and adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of the plants to extract the metal, and (2) preparing soil for extraction of a metal by plants by adding bacteria to the soil that enhances the ability of plants to extract the metal. It is preferred that the plants be planted in the soil as seeds and that the bacteria added to the soil is also added to the seeds prior to planting.

Abstract: Processes and materials for phytoremediating water-containing sites which have been contaminated with pollutants such as arsenic, phosphorous, or other metals. Fern plants can be used to accumulate pollutants from contaminated water-containing sites having an aqueous solution, waste water, ground water, surface water, combinations thereof, and combinations of water-containing sites with soils and/or sediments. The fern plants remove pollutants from the water-containing sites, and can be harvested and readily disposed of, or can be treated to recover the pollutant.

Abstract: Processes, methods, materials and compositions for phytoremediating contaminated waters, which have been contaminated with pollutants such as arsenic. Fern plants that include Pteris and non-Pteris fern plants can be used to accumulate pollutants from contaminated water, including aqueous solution, waste water, ground water, surface water, combinations thereof. Pollutants and contaminants can be removed from the water, soil and wetland type environment via phytoremediation through roots and fronds as well as by applying excised portions of plants such as leaflets (cut-off fronds). The biomass can be harvested and readily disposed of, or can be treated to recover the pollutants and contaminants.

Abstract: Processes, methods, materials and compositions for phytoremediating contaminated waters, which have been contaminated with pollutants such as arsenic, phosphorous, or other metals. Fern plants can be used to accumulate pollutants from contaminated water, including aqueous solution, waste water, ground water, surface water, combinations thereof. Pollutants and contaminants can be removed from the water, soil and wetland type environment via foliar application, excised leaflets, and/or through compositions of ground leaflets. The biomass can be harvested and readily disposed of, or can be treated to recover the pollutants and contaminants.

Abstract: A cadmium and zinc hyperaccumulating subspecies from Thlaspi caerulescense and methods for removing or recovering cadmium and zinc from soils by cultivating the Thlaspi caerulescense subspecies on soils containing cadmium and zinc.

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.

Abstract: A method of producing edible Brassica plants capable of accumulating significant concentrations of selenium in edible portions of the plant. Edible Brassica plants were grown in an environment containing selenium, the plants were cultivated under conditions that allow enhanced uptake of the metal into edible portions of the plants, wherein the concentration of selenium accumulated in the edible portions of the plant is higher than the concentration of selenium in the environment. The plants are then harvested for further use.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for treating metal-containing sulfide ores and concentrates, comprising reacting said metal-containing sulfide with concentrated sulfuric acid at a temperature of between about 300° C. and 400° C. in the presence of oxygen to produce a solid metal sulfate product and a gaseous product which is primarily SO3, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt and manganese. Said metal sulfate product is then leached with dilute sulfuric acid to form a metal-containing solution, from which the metal values are separated by precipitation at raised H2SO4 concentrations obtained by saturating the solution with the gaseous SO3 from the sulfatization reaction step.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for remediating polluted soils or water, removing toxic substances from polluted soils or water, and removing polluting plant nutrients from water using a plant-organism system or specific microbes added to the polluted land or water. Also provided is a method for enhancing the development of root hairs and fine roots in plants using rhizosphere competent microbes and a method for increasing crop plant yield.

Abstract: A slurry of particulate ore material is concentrated to form a smeltable concentrate on a re-concentrator table arranged to separate concentrate ore at a concentrate discharge from middlings and tailings. The table is set such that the concentrate forms a smeltable concentrate and thus at least the middlings contain significant quantities of the concentrate to be collected. The ore to be concentrated is fed to a feeding system including a bin in batch form and carried from the bin by a screw through a screen to the table. The table is operated in processing of the batch for a first period of time during which both the middlings and tailings are returned to the feeding system for recirculation to the table. The period of time is such that the material is circulated over the table repeatedly to separate out the concentrate.

Abstract: The recovery of nickel, cobalt and other metals by phytomining is described. Plants of the Alyssum genus are grown in nickel rich soil. The uptake of nickel is enhanced by maintaining specific soil conditions, including a concentration of calcium between (but not including) 0.128 mM an 5.0 mM and an acidic pH. Ni uptake may be further enhanced by maintaining a ratio of exchangeable Ca/Mg of 0.16-0.40. Uptake may be further enhanced by addition of chelating agents and ammonium based fertilizers.

Abstract: A process is provided for selectively precipitating and removing manganese relative to magnesium from an acidic solution, preferably barren of one or more of cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc, but containing appreciable amounts of manganese, magnesium, and aluminum. The process comprises a) adding a first alkaline reagent, for example lime and/or limestone, to neutralize the acidic solutions and to precipitate a majority of the aluminum as aluminum-containing solids, without precipitating a substantial amount of the magnesium; b) removing the precipitated aluminum-containing solids to create an aluminum-depleted solution; c) adding a second alkaline reagent, for example lime, to the aluminum-depleted solution and aerating for a sufficient retention time to preferentially precipitate a majority of the manganese as manganese-containing solids; and d) removing the precipitated manganese-containing solids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying ruthenium sources to obtain high purity ruthenium metal without the need for high temperature processing, expensive reagents, complex series of wet processes, or expensive equipment. According to the present invention, a gas stream including ozone (O3) is brought into contact with a ruthenium source, such as a commercial ruthenium metal sponge, in one or more reaction vessels. The ozone reacts with the ruthenium present in the ruthenium source to form ruthenium tetraoxide (RuO4), a compound that is a gas at the reaction conditions. The ruthenium tetraoxide, along with unreacted ozone and the remainder of the gas stream is then fed into a collection vessel where a major portion of the gaseous ruthenium tetraoxide is thermally reduced to form ruthenium dioxide (RuO2) deposits within the collection vessel.

Abstract: Process for the control of dust on ore handling points comprising applying to the ore an aqueous solution of an alkyl polyglucoside having an average of from 8 to 12 carbon atoms and a degree of polymerization of from 1.4 to 1.6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for removing at least a portion of a manganese constituent from a zinc-bearng material, comprising the step of subjecting the material to a first oxidation mixture of SO2 and oxygen, at conditions sufficient to oxidize the manganese constituent

Abstract: The process is by injection of calcium chloride into the combustor and lowering the flue gas temperature in sufficient time to enhance oxidation of mercury and nitrogen oxides into more soluble products prior to their absorption in a wet scrubber. The additive also increases the alkalinity and the pH of the scrubber water, therefore, favorably increasing the absorption of the pollutants. The flue gas is then cooled to ambient temperature or less to enhance the removal of mercury.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of chemically converting a first material to a second material. A first plasma and a second plasma are formed, and the first plasma is in fluid communication with the second plasma. The second plasma comprises activated hydrogen and oxygen, and is formed from a water vapor. A first material is flowed into the first plasma to at least partially ionize at least a portion of the first material. The at least partially ionized first material is flowed into the second plasma to react at least some components of the first material with at least one of the activated hydrogen and activated oxygen. Such converts at least some of the first material to a second material. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a synthetic gas by flowing a hydrocarbon-containing material into a hybrid-plasma system.

Abstract: The autoclave of the present invention includes an impeller having a conduit to recirculate or introduce a molecular oxygen-containing gas into the slurry. The outlets for the gas can be located in the blades of the impeller for thorough dispersion of the gas bubbles in the slurry. A sparge tube for introducing an additional molecular oxygen-containing gas into the slurry can be used in conjunction with the impeller to provide a high molecular oxygen transfer rate to the slurry.

Abstract: Non-aqueous functional fluids are treated to avoid degradation or to recondition degraded fluids by a process which comprises contacting the fluid with an anionic ion-exchange resin and subsequently removing water by vacuum dehydration. The fluids can be restored and maintained at a water content of less than 0.1% w/w and an acid number of less than 0.2 mgKOH/gm. The fluid is preferably a triaryl phosphate based fluid. Treated fluids may exhibit improved properties especially increased resistivity.

Abstract: A method of producing a non-metal element or a metal or an alloy thereof from a halide or mixtures thereof. The halide or mixtures thereof are contacted with a stream of liquid alkali metal or alkaline earth metal or mixtures thereof in sufficient quantity to convert the halide to the non-metal or the metal or alloy and to maintain the temperature of the reactants at a temperature lower than the lesser of the boiling point of the alkali or alkaline earth metal at atmospheric pressure or the sintering temperature of the produced non-metal or metal or alloy. A continuous method is disclosed, particularly applicable to titanium.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming magnetic alloy nanoparticles includes forming a metal salt solution with a reducing agent and stabilizing ligands, introducing an organometallic compound into the metal salt solution to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature between 260° and 300° C., and adding a flocculent to cause the magnetic alloy nanoparticles to precipitate out of the mixture without permanent agglomeration. The deposition of the alkane dispersion of FePt alloy particles, followed by the annealing results in the formation of a shiny FePt nanocrystalline thin film with coercivity ranging from 500 Oe to 6500 Oe.

Abstract: The invention provides processes and materials for phytoremediating materials which has been contaminated with arsenic, phosphorous, or other metals. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides fern plants, which accumulate arsenic from contaminated materials. The fern plants efficiently remove arsenic from the materials. The fern plants can be harvested and readily disposed of, or can be treated to recover arsenic.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for remediating soil and/or water which has been contaminated with arsenic, phosphorous, or other metals. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention provides fern plants which accumulate arsenic from contaminated soils. The fern plants efficiently remove arsenic from the soil. The fern plants can be harvested and readily disposed of, or can be treated to recover arsenic.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming magnetic alloy nanoparticles includes forming a metal salt solution with a reducing agent and stabilizing ligands, introducing an organometallic compound into the metal salt solution to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature between 260° and 300° C., and adding a flocculent to cause the magnetic alloy nanoparticles to precipitate out of the mixture without permanent agglomeration. The deposition of the alkane dispersion of FePt alloy particles, followed by the annealing results in the formation of a shiny FePt nanocrystalline thin film with coercivity ranging from 500 Oe to 6500 Oe.

Abstract: A set of processes for preparing metal powders, including metal alloy powders, by ambient temperature reduction of a reducible metal compound by a reactive metal or metal hydride through mechanochemical processing. The reduction process includes milling reactants to induce and complete the reduction reaction. The preferred reducing agents include magnesium and calcium hydride powders. A process of pre-milling magnesium as a reducing agent to increase the activity of the magnesium has been established as one part of the invention.

Abstract: The process of the present invention “jump starts” heap biooxidation of sulfides by incorporating a previously biooxidized material into the heap. The process can be used to recover precious and/or base metals from sulfidic ores and concentrate.

Abstract: Metals are rendered analyzable, extractable or recoverable from materials, such as complex or refractory ores, by applying shear deformation forces to the materials. The shear deformation forces are generated by methods such as mechanical attrition. Through this process, the precious element-bearing amorphous colloidal silica and other fractions of these ores are reformed and crystallized into what are essentially nanophase materials that show a change of chemical, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties as compared to their original natural state. During or after this transformation, the precious element content of these ores may be reduced to a recoverable state and/or analyzed or detected.

Abstract: A method of biooxidizing sulfide minerals in a nonstirred bioreactor is provided. According to the disclosed method, a concentrate of sulfide minerals is coated onto a plurality of substrates, such as coarse ore particles, lava rock, gravel or rock containing a small amount of mineral carbonate as a source of CO.sub.2 for the biooxidizing bacteria. After the sulfide minerals are coated or spread onto the plurality of substrates, a heap is formed with the coated substrates or the coated substrates are placed within a tank. The sulfide minerals on the surface of the plurality of coated substrates are then biooxidized to liberate the metal value of interest. Depending on the particular ore deposit being mined, the sulfide mineral concentrates used in the process may comprise sulfide concentrates from precious metal bearing refractory sulfide ores or they may comprise sulfide concentrates from metal sulfide type ores, such as chalcopyrite, pyrite or sphalorite.

Abstract: A method of biooxidizing sulfide minerals in a nonstirred bioreactor is provided. According to the disclosed method, a concentrate of sulfide minerals is coated onto a substrate, such as coarse ore particles, lava rock, gravel or rock containing mineral carbonate as a source of CO.sub.2 for the biooxidizing bacteria. After the sulfide minerals are coated onto the substrate, a heap is formed with the coated substrates or the coated substrates are placed within a tank. The sulfide minerals are then biooxidized to liberate the metal value of interest. Depending on the particular ore deposit being mined, the sulfide mineral concentrates used in the process may comprise sulfide concentrates from precious metal bearing refractory sulfide ores or they may comprise sulfide concentrates from metal sulfide type ores, such as chalcopyrite, millerite or sphalorite.

Abstract: A process for the purification of solutions containing metals comprising neutralization of the solution, reduction of Fe(III) present, and elimination of ingoing dissolved zinc, whereby the ingoing solution containing metals is neutralized using magnetite and/or metallic iron, that the ingoing iron (III) is reduced to iron (II) by means of an addition of metallic iron, that ingoing heavy metals are precipitated by the addition of a precipitating amount of a sulphide, whereby the metal sulphides precipitated are recovered by means of filtration, that the solution is, optionally, subjected to an ion exchange operation to transfer ingoing zinc into non-complex bound form, whereupon zinc is recovered as zinc carbonate, that iron (II) in the remaining solution is oxidized to iron (III), whereupon the solution is used as such or is further treated for increasing the metal content for the purpose intended.

Abstract: A process and system and for extracting and refining gold from ores using relatively benign and inexpensive chemicals, fewer process steps, and permitting the recycling and re-use of process chemicals. The invention is preferably implemented as a two part process. In a first part process, gold is extracted from the ore and dissolved in a chemical solution to form a gold complex. The chemical solution preferably includes a KI and I.sub.2. Optionally, Isopropyl alcohol is mixed with the KI and I.sub.2 to serve as an accelerate. In a second part process, the complex is reduced to gold from the solution, preferably by one of two methods. The first method precipitates the gold complex by washing and decomposing of the gold complex to form pure gold. The second method electrolytically plates the gold from the gold complex solution onto a cathode to obtain pure gold.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of a metal from an organic complex thereof, said method comprising treating the complex with a weakly acid aqueous solution of an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or ammonium chloride having a chloride content of at least 4 molar whereby said complex is decomposed and metal ions are transferred to the aqueous solution.