Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for recovering metal values from metal-bearing materials. During a reactive process, a seeding agent is introduced to provide a nucleation site for the crystallization and/or growth of solid species which otherwise tend to passivate the reactive process or otherwise encapsulate the metal value, thereby reducing the amount of desired metal values partially or completely encapsulated by such material. The seeding agent may be generated in a number of ways, including the recycling of residue or the introduction of foreign substances. Systems embodying aspects of the present invention may be beneficial for recovering a variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, rhenium, uranium, rare earth metals, and platinum group metals from any metal-bearing material, such as ores and concentrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for the production of sulfuric acid and liberation of precious metal values from materials containing sulfur through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the sulfur-bearing materials may comprise residues from pressure leaching operations, such as those carried out at medium temperatures. The process of the present invention can be advantageously used to convert such sulfur-bearing materials to sulfuric acid by means of pressure leaching. The sulfuric acid so produced can be used beneficially in other mineral processing operations, for example those at the site where it is produced. Metals, such as precious metals, that are contained within the sulfur-bearing materials advantageously may be recovered from processing products by established precious metals recovery technology.

Abstract: A method of leaching sulphide mineral concentrates wherein heat generated by bioleaching of sulphide mineral concentrates in at least one reactor is transferred into a heap in which bio-assisted leaching takes place.

Abstract: A method for forming a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material to a depth from the working surface, the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material, causing a 950 degrees C. temperature at the working surface to be less than 750 degrees C. at the depth.

Abstract: Methodology for the extraction of metallic elements from solid and liquid metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, engraving solutions, metal finishing solutions, battery manufacturing solutions, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with liquor compositions to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica.

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: A method of leaching zinc from a zinc concentrate comprising leaching a zinc concentrate in an aqueous solution containing free sulfuric acid and ferric ions, whereby elemental sulfur is deposited on the zinc concentrate, and grinding the zinc concentrate under atmospheric pressure in the aqueous solution to provide particles of the zinc concentrate having surfaces, wherein the elemental sulfur and other by-products which form on the surfaces of the particles of the zinc concentrate are stripped by the grinding.

Abstract: A method of recovering copper from a copper bearing sulphide mineral which includes the steps of subjecting the slurry to a bioleaching process, supplying a feed gas which contains in excess of 21% oxygen by volume, to the slurry, and recovering copper from a bioleach residue of the bioleaching process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the removal of bivalent copper from copper chloride solution in connection with the hydrometallurgical production of copper. In the copper production process, a copper-bearing raw material is leached with a chloride-bearing solution. The copper chloride solution formed in the leaching, which contains both mono- and bivalent copper, undergoes bivalent copper removal at least in part by precipitation, and the copper(I) chloride solution is conduced to further treatment. Precipitation of the bivalent copper occurs as alkaline copper chloride precipitation. The alkaline copper (II) chloride formed is leached as copper(II) chloride either separately or in connection with raw material leaching, and is used in copper raw material leaching.

Abstract: A process for bacterial oxidation of sulphide ores and concentrates in which the ore or concentrate is leached with a bacterial culture containing one or more strains of both Sulfobacillus and Thermoplasma.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for recovering copper metal from sulphide minerals via basic copper sulphate which is produced by pressure oxidation in chloride spiked sulphate solutions. Chloride contaminants in the basic copper sulphate obtained from the pressure oxidation reaction are removed in a reaction with an alkali, such as CaO. Thereafter, the basic copper sulphate is leached with a weak acid, and the resultant pregnant copper solution contains chloride ions at low concentrations, which allow copper electrolysis to operate efficiently.

Abstract: According to the process, a heap preferably having dimensions of at least 2.5 m high and 5 m wide is constructed with hypogenic copper sulfide bearing ore. The constructed heap includes exposed sulfide mineral particles at least 25 weight % of which are hypogenic copper sulfides. The concentration of the exposed sulfide mineral particles in the heap is such that the heap includes at least 10 Kg of exposed sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap. Furthermore, at least 50% of the total copper in the heap is in the form of hypogenic copper sulfides. A substantial portion of the heap is then heated to a temperature of at least 50° C. The heap is inoculated with a culture including at least one strain of thermophilic microorganisms capable of bioleaching sulfide minerals at a temperature above 50° C. A process leach solution that includes sulfuric acid and ferric iron is applied to the heap.

Abstract: Griffin, Nigel, et al78.1081-1.3-29 Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: A method for recovering catalytic metals from fluids containing catalytic metal colloids. Fluid compositions such as rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a filter that entraps catalytic metal colloids on the filter. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the filter while the catalytic colloids concentrate on the filter. The filter containing the catalytic metal colloids is burned, and the catalytic metal is retrieved. The method is economically efficient and environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A leach column (10) and method for the separation and recovery of metals from mixtures. The column (10) is adapted to be electrically charged to enhance metal recovery. Particularly, a pair of electrical connections (20), (22) are positioned in the column (10) to create an electrical charge in the presence of a leaching solution (18) and a metal-containing mixture (26) to enhance leaching of the metal from the mixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the leach column (10) is used for the recovery of platinum from platinum-containing coatings on jet engine components.

Abstract: A method for recovering catalytic metals from fluid compositions containing catalytic metal colloids. Fluid compositions such as aqueous rinse solutions or dragout baths containing catalytic metal colloids are passed through a porous metal filter that entraps the catalytic metal colloids. The catalytic metal colloids have a high affinity for the porous metal filter in contrast to other components of the fluids. The other components of the fluids pass through the porous metal filter while the catalytic metal colloids concentrate on the porous metal filter. The catalytic metal colloids that are captured on the porous metal filter are removed from the filter by backwashing the filter with a gas and/or a liquid. The backwashing forces the catalytic metal colloids off of the porous metal filter and through a solids discharge valve and into a solids collection container. The method is economically efficient with high catalytic metal recovery and is environmentally friendly.

Abstract: A procedure to agglutinate ore concentrations, which can be of copper, on a gravel heap, to be leached on a non-flooded bed which comprises: artificially adhering the concentrate to the surface of a solid material base, which can be an artificial material, or a stony substance; the agglutinated material is stockpiled, forming a leaching pile; and is irrigated with a leaching solution containing at least Cl, Cu, and Fe ions.

Abstract: A process for refining a raw copper material containing a copper sulfide mineral, e.g., chalcopyrite, by the hydrometallurgical process which can leach copper out of the raw material at a high extraction while suppressing oxidation of sulfur, recover it in the monovalent state by electrolysis and, at the same time, recover a concomitant valuable metal while minimizing production of wastes, e.g., leaching residue, as far as possible.

Abstract: A Process for the treatment or removal of impurities, such as arsenic, antimony or bismuth, generated as by-products during smelting and refining of copper concentrates, comprises subjecting the by-products to pressure oxidation along with a copper concentrate in a hydrometallurgical copper extraction process or the treatment of impurities when present in a concentrate by subjecting the concentrate to a hydrometallurgical extraction process.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for extracting copper and any one or more than one of zinc, silver and gold from a sulphide ore or concentrate is disclosed. The process includes a range of mineral species that contain copper and one or more than one of zinc, silver and gold, which process includes two or more than two leach steps using each liquors of different composition, each leach step selectively leaching one or more than one metal from the minerals. The process also includes separating a solid residue and an exit leach liquor after each leach step, leaching the solid residue produced in each leach step in a successive leach step, and recovering metal from the exit leach liquor produced in each leach step.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for a metal solvent extraction plant comprising:

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solar heating a leach solution prior to its distribution over an ore heap. The apparatus includes a heat absorbing mat having a series of individual heat absorbing tubes joined to each other by heat reflecting panels. The heat reflecting panels and heat absorbing tubes collect and transfer solar energy to the leach solution passing through the heat absorbing tubes. The temperature of the leach solution passing through the heat absorbing tubes is elevated above ambient prior to the leach solution being distributed to a series of emitter tubes positioned on top of the ore heap. The array of emitter tubes are connected to the heat absorbing mats such that the leach solution is heated within the mat and immediately distributed to the emitter tubes for distribution onto the ore heap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing calcium from a sulfate solution in the zinc production process. Calcium is removed as an anhydrate from the raw solution coming from concentrate or ore leaching before the solution purification stages.

Abstract: A method of recovering nickel from a nickel bearing sulphide mineral slurry which includes the steps of subjecting the slurry to a bioleaching process, supplying a feed gas which contains in excess of 21% oxygen by volume, to the slurry, and recovering nickel from a bioleach residue of the bioleaching process.

Abstract: Alkoxylated compounds of formula I

Abstract: Methodology for the extraction of metallic elements from solid and liquid metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, engraving solutions, metal finishing solutions, battery manufacturing solutions, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with liquor compositions to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the leaching of oxidized ores and in particular zinc ores. The ore, wherein the valuable metals are at least partially in silicate form, are routed to an acidic leaching stage in conditions where the silicate decomposes and the valuable metal ion comes into the solution. During leaching the silicate ion first dissolves, but simultaneously decomposes and is precipitated as silica.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method where sulfidic iron-bearing copper concentrate is leached on the countercurrent principle, in a chloride environment. The leaching takes place with the aid of bivalent copper and an oxygen-bearing gas as a multistage continuous process, under normal pressure, at a temperature, which as highest corresponds to the boiling point of the solution. Part of the insoluble solid matter is returned, counter to the main flow of solid matter, to one of the previous leaching stages or reactors where, as a result of the extended leaching time, the leach waste iron is recovered mostly as hematite.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering a metal from a feedstock containing a compound of the metal. The process includes an electrowinning step in which a leachate comprising a salt of the metal, dissolved in an aqueous acid solution, is subjected to electrowinning in an electrolytic cell, wherein elemental metal is deposited on the cathodes of the cell and oxygen is generated at the anodes. The oxygen generated at the anodes is collected and is then at least partially consumed in an oxygen-consuming step of the process. Preferably, the oxygen-consuming step comprises an atmospheric or pressure leaching step in which the metal compounds in the feedstock become dissolved in a leachate in the form of metal salts, preferably sulfates. The recovery and use of anode oxygen in a leaching process encourages the use of mist-reducing technology in existing and new electrowinning facilities.

Abstract: A method and systems are provided for extracting heavy metal from glass waste. Glass is initially crushed to a diameter size between about 10 nanometers and about 2 millimeters. The glass is then added to a tank having a solution of water and acid, where the acid removes metal from the surface of the glass particles. In some embodiments, the solution and glass particles are elevated to a configurable temperature above ambient temperature and circulated for a configurable period of time. The solution is then separated from the glass particles. In some embodiments, the glass particles are then rinsed while in transit to a final destination or in a separate rinsing tank.

Abstract: A method and systems are provided for extracting heavy metal from glass waste. Glass is initially crushed to a diameter size of about 2 millimeters. The glass is then added to a tank having a solution of water and acid, where the acid removes metal from the surface of the glass particles. The solution is then separated from the glass particles. In some embodiments, the glass particles are also rinsed with water and the rinsed water is treated to remove any residual contaminates. In more embodiments, the solution can be reused for a number of iterations that treat glass waste in order to extract heavy metal from the glass waste.

Abstract: Liquor compositions for the extraction of metallic elements from a metal-contaminated starting material such as mineral ores, recyclable wastes, contaminated soils, toxic wastes such as dusts producing through steelmaking processes by effectuating preferably prolonged contacting of such starting material with the liquor to cause the underlying structure of the starting material to be broken down. The contaminated starting materials are more susceptible to metal separation because the released metallic element are readily solubilized in the contacting liquor. Compositions of the contacting liquor comprise caustic silicate solutions containing essentially saturating levels of silica. Once the plurality of metallic elements contained in the starting material have been solubilized, they tend to remain in solution, and then may be routinely extracted and removed using conventional extraction methodologies such as precipitation of insoluble salts, electrowinning, or electrodeposition.

Abstract: A copper concentrate obtained by flotation of a high grade copper ore containing chalcopyrite as a main mineral constituent is leached at a temperature of 100° C. or higher, and under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure yielding a copper leachate containing ferric ions of at least 5 g/L and sulfuric acid, and this copper leachate is used in heap leaching or vat leaching of a low grade copper ore, whereby a method of recovering copper economically from a material containing copper is provided.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sulfide ores containing silver by pressure oxidation. The method includes the addition of a sulfate-binding material to reduce the formation of jarosite species during pressure oxidation. Silver can then be recovered from the solids portion of the discharge slurry. A jarosite reduction step, such as by a lime boil, that is typically required to recover silver after pressure oxidation can advantageously be eliminated.

Abstract: Methods for increasing drainage or percolation of a lixiviant solution through mineral ore in a heap mining operation. A drainage aid comprising ethoxylated aliphatic primary alcohols and mixtures thereof is dripped, sprayed or otherwise brought into contact with the heaped metal ore aggregate and thereby improves percolation or drainage of the lixiviant through the heaped metal ore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for recovering metal values from metal-bearing materials. During a reactive process, a seeding agent is introduced to provide a nucleation site for the crystallization and/or growth of solid species which otherwise tend to passivate the reactive process or otherwise encapsulate the metal value, thereby reducing the amount of desired metal values partially or completely encapsulated by such material. The seeding agent may be generated in a number of ways, including the recycling of residue or the introduction of foreign substances. Processes embodying aspects of the present invention may be beneficial for recovering a variety of metals such as copper, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, rhenium, uranium, rare earth metals, and platinum group metals from any metal-bearing material, such as ores and concentrates.

Abstract: A method of leaching sulphide mineral concentrates wherein heat generated by bioleaching of sulphide mineral concentrates in at least one reactor is transferred into a heap in which bio-assisted leaching takes place.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sulfide ores containing silver by pressure oxidation. The method includes the addition of a sulfate-binding material to reduce the formation of jarosite species during pressure oxidation. Silver can then be recovered from the solids portion of the discharge slurry. A jarosite reduction step, such as by a lime boil, that is typically required to recover silver after pressure oxidation can advantageously be eliminated.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt values from a sulfidic flotation concentrate. The process involves forming a slurry of the sulfidic flotation concentrate in an acid solution, and subjecting the slurried flotation concentrate to a chlorine leach at atmospheric pressure followed by an oxidative pressure leach. After liquid-solids separation and purification of the concentrate resulting in the removal of copper and cobalt, the nickel-containing solution is directly treated by electrowinning to recover nickel cathode therefrom.

Abstract: Fairly pure metallic nickel may be efficiently dissolved in non-oxidizing acid. If the nickel includes individual pieces longer than 0.5 mm in any linear dimension, oxidizing agent is preferably added from the beginning of dissolution, while if the nickel is powdered so that no single piece has a linear dimension longer than 0.35 mm, oxidizing agent is preferably added only after most of the originally supplied nickel has been dissolved. After oxidizing agent is added, most or all of the remaining undissolved nickeliferous solid will then dissolve. The temperature of the reaction mixture of acid liquid and solid nickel preferably is room temperature at the beginning of dissolution but is raised in steps to a final value of at least 65° C. and maintained at that temperature for several hours.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, colbalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: In one method, a zinc concentrate is leached as elemental sulfur and other by-products are stripped from the surfaces of the particles in the concentrate by means of a grinding machine such as a ball mill. The ferric ion consumed by leaching is regenerated for recycled use by introducing oxygen into the post-leaching solution flowing through feed pipes. This method can shorten the leach time by a substantial degree.

Abstract: A hydrometallurgical process for the recovery of nickel and cobalt values from a sulfidic flotation concentrate. The process involves forming a slurry of the sulfidic flotation concentrate in an acid solution, and subjecting the slurried flotation concentrate to a chlorine leach at atmospheric pressure followed by an oxidative pressure leach. After liquid-solids separation and purification of the concentrate resulting in the removal of copper and cobalt, the nickel-containing solution is directly treated by electrowinning to recover nickel cathode therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the extraction of copper from a copper sulphide containing concentrate such as chalcopyrite, involves dispersing the finely divided copper sulphide containing concentrate in an aqueous sulphuric acid solution to form a slurry; providing an effective amount of a suitable surfactant such as lignosol or quebracho; reacting with agitation the slurry and surfactant with free oxygen bearing gas in a pressure vessel at an elevated temperature to extract the copper values from the concentrate to produce the final leach solution containing dissolved copper values and a solid residue; and separating the final leach solution containing the dissolved copper values from the solid residue.

Abstract: Process and equipment for the removal of crud from the interface between aqueous and organic layers in SX settlers in which at least one rotatable auger is positioned at or near the interface to remove crud continuously or intermittently from the interface.

Abstract: According to the process, a heap preferably having dimensions of at least 2.5 m high and 5 m wide is constructed with hypogenic copper sulfide bearing ore. The constructed heap includes exposed sulfide mineral particles at least 25 weight % of which are hypogenic copper sulfides. The concentration of the exposed sulfide mineral particles in the heap is such that the heap includes at least 10 Kg of exposed sulfide sulfur per tonne of solids in the heap. Furthermore, at least 50% of the total copper in the heap is in the form of hypogenic copper sulfides. A substantial portion of the heap is then heated to a temperature of at least 50° C. The heap is inoculated with a culture including at least one strain of thermophilic microorganisms capable of bioleaching sulfide minerals at a temperature above 50° C. A process leach solution that includes sulfuric acid and ferric iron is applied to the heap.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process for the production of sulfuric acid and liberation of precious metal values from materials containing sulfur through pressure leaching operations. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the sulfur-bearing materials may comprise residues from pressure leaching operations, such as those carried out at medium temperatures. The process of the present invention can be advantageously used to convert such sulfur-bearing materials to sulfuric acid by means of pressure leaching. The sulfuric acid so produced can be used beneficially in other mineral processing operations, for example those at the site where it is produced. Metals, such as precious metals, that are contained within the sulfur-bearing materials advantageously may be recovered from processing products by established precious metals recovery technology.

Abstract: An Ni—Fe alloy material suitable for forming a ferromagnetic Ni—Fe alloy thin film is provided. The magnetic thin film produces a small number of particles during sputtering, and excels in corrosion resistance and magnetic properties. A method of manufacturing an Ni—Fe alloy sputtering target used to make the thin film is also provided. In addition, an Ni—Fe alloy sputtering target for forming magnetic thin films is provided. The sputtering target is characterized in that it has: an oxygen content of 50 ppm or less; an S content of 10 ppm or less; a carbon content of 50 ppm or less, and a total content of metal impurities other than the alloy components of 50 ppm or less. Such an Ni—Fe alloy target can be produced by melting and alloying high-purity materials obtained by dissolving the raw materials in hydrochloric acid, and performing ion exchange, activated-charcoal treatment, and electrolytic refining.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are efficient methods for leaching minerals from ores using an acidic solution such as sulfuric acid. Additional factors which can improve mineral recovery include the use of an alkali metal halide, grinding the ore, addition of a carbon source, and/or, adjustment of the temperature at which the process is carried out. Minerals such as titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, silver and gold may be recovered by the methods of the present invention.

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.