СПОСОБ ОГНЕВОГО РАФИНИРОВАНИЯ МЕТАЛЛОВ В ТЕРМОДИНАМИЧЕСКИ РАВНОВЕСНОЙ СИСТЕМЕ КАПЕЛЬНО-ГАЗОВОЙ СРЕДЫ

Изобретение относится к способам огневого рафинирования металлов и может быть использовано для получения металлов заданной химической чистоты. Способ огневого рафинирования металлов в равновесной термодинамической системе включает подачу металла тонким слоем в специальную камеру с наклонной подиной и копильником. Газы подаются в камеру через фурмы в передней стенке и подину и образуют с поступающим расплавом густой капельно-газовый туман, термодинамически равновесный за счет достаточного нагрева газов и металла до температур, обеспечивающих превышение температуры плавления металла в капельно-газовой смеси на весь период окисления - восстановления. Предложенный способ обеспечивает высокую производительность за счет быстрого доступа газов к каждой капле расплава и уменьшает материалоемкость агрегата. 1 ил.

СПОСОБ И СИСТЕМА ДЛЯ УДАЛЕНИЯ НАСЛОЕНИЯ НАСТЫЛИ В ПЕЧИ

Изобретение относится к способу и системе для удаления твердых настылей из медеплавильной анодной или раздаточной печи. Способ включает размещение в упомянутой анодной печи по меньшей мере одной когерентно-струйной фурмы, выполненной с возможностью создания когерентного кислородно-топливного газового потока, содержащего основной поток газообразного кислорода без газообразного азота и окружающую его пламенную оболочку из топлива и газообразного кислорода, направление упомянутого когерентного кислородно-топливного газового потока из упомянутой когерентно-струйной фурмы в сторону твердых настылей при расходе тепла от 4 миллионов BTU/час до 15 миллионов BTU/час и осевой скорости основного потока газообразного кислорода от 75 до 500 футов в секунду, при этом длину пламени когерентного кислородно-топливного газового потока формируют достаточной для расплавления твердых настылей внутри анодной печи без столкновения с огнеупорной стенкой, удаление когерентно-струйной фурмы из упомянутой анодной ...

СПОСОБ И СИСТЕМА ДЛЯ УДАЛЕНИЯ НАСЛОЕНИЯ НАСТЫЛИ В ПЕЧИ

... 1. Способ удаления твердых настылей из печи, включающий в себя стадии:(a) подсоединяют или размещают по меньшей мере одну когерентно-струйную фурму в сборе в печи, способную создавать когерентный кислородно-топливный газовый поток, практически не содержащий газообразного азота, причем когерентный кислородно-топливный газовый поток содержит основной поток газообразного кислорода и окружающую пламенную оболочку из топлива и газообразного кислорода; и(b) направляют когерентный кислородно-топливный газовый поток из упомянутой когерентно-струйной фурмы в сборе в сторону твердых настылей при расходе тепла от примерно 4 миллионов BTU/час до примерно 15 миллионов BTU/час и с основным потоком газообразного кислорода, имеющим осевую скорость от примерно 75 до примерно 500 футов в секунду, и при этом длина пламени когерентного кислородно-топливного газового потока является достаточной для расплавления твердых настылей внутри печи, но не сталкивается с огнеупорной стенкой;(c) отсоединяют или удаляют ...

СПОСОБ И ПЕЧЬ ДЛЯ КОНВЕРТИРОВАНИЯ МЕДНЫХ ШТЕЙНОВ ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ДОННОЙ ПРОДУВКИ

Способ получения черновой меди из медной руды

СПОСОБ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ЧЕРНОВОЙ МЕДИ ИЗ МЕДНОЙ РУДЫ, содержащей примеси сурьмы, включающий плавку исходного материала во вращающемся конвертере с верхним дутьем с образованием при этом штейна и шлака, разделе1 ие штейна и шлака и конверсию штейна, отличающийся тем, что, с целью снижения содержания сурьмы при переработке руд с ее повышенным содержанием, штейн непосредственно после отделения шлака обрабатывают инертным газом. СП ...

Anlage zum Schmelzen von Kupfer

VERFAHREN ZUM ERWAERMEN EINER SCHMELZE DURCH UNTERBAD-VERBRENNUNG.

Process for deoxidising metal melts

The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for deoxidising metal melts with the use of a reductant to be introduced into the metal melt. In order to be able to prepare, as simply and economically as possible, metal melts having as low as possible an oxygen content, provision is made to use, as the reductant, alcohol, molasses or lignin or a mixture of these substances.

Verfahren zur Vorraffination von unreinem Schwarzkupfer

Method for fire refining of metals in the thermodynamically equilibrium system of a drip-gas medium

Reduction of metal oxides

In a process for the reduction of metal oxides (e.g. of iron or chromium) they are subjected in the fused condition to the action of a directionally stable plasma arc containing a hydrocarbon gas. The hydrocarbon gas may be methane which may also comprise the arc support gas but this latter may also be A, H2, He, N2, CO, Xe or Ne. In examples the iron oxide or chromium oxide content of a slag is reduced and the metal values descend through the slag into a pool of iron. Small amounts of lime, fluorspar or silica may be added to the slag to make it more fluid.

RECOVERY OF COPPER FROM COPPER/LEAD ALLOYS

Improvements relating to Production of Cast Metal.

... 1,181,518. Continuous casting; casting processes. ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES Ltd. 9 Aug., 1967 [15 Aug., 1966], No. 36491/66. Heading B3F. [Also in Division F4] To produce cast metal, e.g. copper, oxygenfree, it is melted in a furnace 1 under a carbonaceous layer 18 and in an atmosphere of an exothermic gas mixture, derived by combustion in air of a fuel (such as methane or kerosene) giving a product containing approximately equal volumes of CO and H 2 ; the melt is then passed, possibly through a heated launder 4, and holding furnace 6, to a tundish 9 with a plungercontrolled outlet 10 from which it passes through a gas-tight chamber 13 to a mould 12, being protected in the tundish and mould by a gas mixture mainly of N 2 with about 1% vol. of H 2 and having a low vol. ratio (1/20) of oxidizing constituents (CO 2 and water vapour) to reducing constituents (H 2 and CO). Individual castings may be produced, but, as shown, a continuous casting 14, for severance by a flying saw 16, is ...

Refining of copper melts

... 1,174,186. Supplying oxygen to rotary furnaces. MESSER GRIESHEIM G.m.b.H. 16 Oct., 1967 [19 Oct., 1966], No. 47050/67. Heading F4B. [Also in Division C7] Copper melt 10, e.g. of scrap, is fire-refined in revolving reverberatory furnace 1 by injection of oxygen 13 below flame 12. The oxygen is supplied through water-cooled lance 4, which travels on carriage 5, and is emitted from downwardly inclined nozzle 6. Flame 12 is derived from gas, pulverized coal, and/or oil. The oxygen first encounters melt 10 by which it is deflected to the lower side of flame 12 which is thereby maintained at a higher temperature than the remainder of the flame.

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING METAL FROM SLAGS

... 1366548 Recovering metals LA M•TALLOCHIMIQUE S A 14 Oct 1971 [14 Oct 1970] 29589/73 Divided out of 1366545 Heading C7D The subject-matter of this Specification is similar to that described in Specification 1366545 but the claims are directed to the steps of:- (i) mixing a slag containing copper, lead, tin and/or nickel and also silica with solid material containing metallic iron. (ii) reducing compounds of the above metals contained in the slag with solid-state metallic iron while agitating the reaction masses to prevent vapourization of any lead or tin present. (iii) separating the resulting depleted slag from the metal or alloy formed.

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO THE RECOVERY OF COPPER-RICH PHASES FROM FURNACE PRODUCTS

IMPROVEMENTS IN COPPER REFINING

... 1,204,254. Refining copper. ANACONDA CO. March 4, 1968, No.10282/68. Heading C7D. Molten copper containing copper oxide is deoxidized by (a) introducing under pressure a poling fluid below the surface of the molten copper, said fluid containing a poling fuel which forms carbon monoxide and hydrogen upon contact with the copper to reduce copper oxide to copper, and (b) simultaneously maintaining above the molten copper a reducing atmosphere containing water vapour, hydrogen, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, the molar ratios of water vapour to hydrogen and carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide being in equilibrium with the deoxidized copper at least at the conclusion of the operation. Suitable poling fuels are natural gas, diesel oil, and pulverized coal and coke. Solid and liquid fuels are introduced by pre-blending with a carrier gas e.g. an inert gas, steam or an active gas such as natural gas.

Prevention of hydrogen embrittlement in oxygen-bearing copper

... 1,127,221. Refining copper and copper alloys. RAYTHEON CO. Aug.27, 1965 [Sept. 29, 1964], No.36981/65. Headings C7A and C7D. Hydrogen embrittlement of copper, copper alloy or dispersion hardened copper is prevented by subjecting the metal to elemental boron vapour at a temperature between 800‹ C. and the melting point of the metal for a time sufficient to allow boron to diffuse into the solid metal lattice and react with any free oxygen therein. The metal may be exposed to boron vapour, packed in boron powder or painted with a mixture of boron powder and an inert binder. The resultant metal may contain up to 0À06% by weight of dissolved elemental boron and between 0.02 and 0.08%, or in the case of dispersion hardened copper up to 0.9%, boron oxide.

Method of fire refining copper

... 1,146,082. Blowing nozzles. SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO. Ltd. 17 March, 1966 [24 March, 1965], No. 11821/66. Heading F4B. [Also in Division C7] A pipe for blowing molten copper to refine it (see Division C7) comprises four inner pipes 2 (Fig. 3), which supply the fluid fuel, in one outer pipe 1, which supplies the other gaseous medium such as air, separated by spacers 6.

Improvements in or relating to the refining of copper

Copper of high conductivity is obtained by melting copper containing calcium, barium, strontium, or magnesium which has been added as a deoxidizer, and passing a substantially inert gas through the melt to remove partially, or completely, the excess of the deoxidizer. Hydrogen, nitrogen, or ammonia may be used as an inert gas and may be preheated. The melt may be mechanically agitated.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING OXYGEN-FREE COPPER

Method and apparatus for manufacturing an oxygen-free copper having an oxygen content of no greater than 3 ppm by weight are disclosed. In the method, a deoxidizing step is carried out by bringing a reducing gas containing hydrogen gas into contact with a molten copper to react on the oxygen to remove the same. Then a dehydrogenation step may be carried out by bringing a gas of lean hydrogen concentration into contact with the molten copper. Accordingly, the apparatus has a deoxidizing device for blowing the reducing gas into the molten copper and preferably a dehydrogenation device.

COPPER-REFINING INSTALLATION

Improved Process for Refining Copper.

... 12,168. Rockey, W. S., and Eldridge, H. May 22. Dry processes of refining copper.-Molten copper at a temperature of from 1200‹ to 1500‹ C. is passed through a flux consisting of, or containing, anhydrous boron trioxide. Carbon or other reducing-agent may be added to the molten metal before its treatment with the flux, or the reducing-agent may be added to the flux. Specifications 4409/12 and 5445/12 are referred to.

Improvements in the bessemerizing of nickel containing matters

Nickel-containing mattes are Bessemerized by a blast of previously superheated steam alone or in admixture with a small proportion of air. This may be followed by raising the temperature of the bath and blowing with superheated steam alone to eliminate practically all the sulphur. The matte is charged into a converter in lump or ground form, melted preferably by the aid of gas blast burners till the temperature reaches 2400-2700 DEG F. when it contains about 18 per cent of sulphur. The steam, or mixture of steam with preferably 10 per cent of air, is blown with the converter tilted into the blow position, the temperature of the bath being maintained at 2700-2900 DEG F. by means of the gas burners, until the sulphur is reduced to 2-4 per cent. In the next stage the temperature of the bath is raised to 2700-2900 DEG F. and superheated steam alone blown in, the sulphur being reduced to 0,005-,02 per cent. Oxygen may be removed at the end by means of a reducing flame, carbon or any suitable ...

Improvements in and relating to the refining of copper

In a method of obtaining refined copper, black copper is smelted along with slag obtained from a copper-refining operation and containing copper in oxide form. Black copper may be smelted in a water-jacketed or other furnace, and the partly purified copper obtained therein may be blown in a tilting furnace or converter, the blown copper being afterwards poled in a reverberatory furnace.

COPPER REFINING PROCESS

... 1366545 Refining copper; recovering tin and lead LA M•TALLO-CHIMIQUE S A 14 Oct 1971 [14 Oct 1970] 47876/71 Heading C7D [Also in Division F4] A process for refining copper and recovering tin and lead from copper-bearing materials and scrap is characterized by subjection of the reaction masses to high degrees of agitation which promotes high mass transfer rates between gas, metal and slag phases, allowing rapid selective reactions to take place at relatively low temperatures and thus minimizing vapourization of lead and tin in the form of their oxides. The operations temperature is generally just above the temperature at which the slag becomes fluid. Process Stages, Fig. 1 (a) A melting furnace is charged with copperbearing materials, solid material containing metallic iron, normally copper-iron scrap, alkaline or neutral flux, e.g. lime, and silica. The charge is melted under a neutral flame. (b) As the temperature of the charge increases, chemically combined copper, lead, tin or nickel ...

Improvements relating to the production of nickel from sulphide ores

A Ni or Ni/Cu matte substantially free of Fe is autogenously reduced to metal by blowing a stream of oxygen-rich gas on to the surface of the molten matte which is mechanically agitated, until the sulphur content is less than 4%, the blowing is then continued with hot sulphur-free non-oxidising gas the bath being agitated and the temperature being high enough for reaction to occur between the sulphides and oxygen in the melt. The process is carried out is a rotating top blown converter (Fig. 1), oxygen-rich gas being supplied by a water cooled pipe 15 and the exhaust gases passing into flue 18 via opening 17. Charging is effected through 17 or 16 and the molten metal is tapped either by tilting the furnace or through a taphole 19. Rotation of the furnace effects agitation of the molten charge and the oxygen rich gas is preferably commercially pure oxygen. With relatively pure Ni matte blowing may commence at 850 DEG C. but generally a melt temperature of 1350 DEG C. is obtained before blowing ...

HOOD FOR COLLECTING HOT GASES

Process for the deoxidation of copper

Molten copper is deoxidized by treatment in an induction furnace with a mass of molten and very fluid slag having a high extracting power towards copper oxide, a violent agitation of the metal which is in part transferred to the slag being produced by the electric field, and the surface of the metal being protected from oxidation throughout the operation by a covering of the slag. The slags used may comprise one or more of the following materials: silica, titanium dioxide, alumina, lime, magnesia, alkali and alkaline earth compounds, and iron and other metal oxides not reducible by copper. The slags may be melted in a water-jacketed furnace, and exhausted slags may be regenerated for p reuse by reduction for example with carbon. In some cases the slag may be removed and the operation continued with a fresh slag. Specification 409,911 is referred to. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 describes also purification other than deoxidation. This subject-matter does not appear ...

Method of Producing High Purity Non Ferrous Ingots by an Electroslag Process

... 1,175,453. Electroslag refining. INSTITUT ELEKTROSVARKI IM.E.O. PATONA. 3 Jan. 1967, No. 281/67. Heading B3F. [Also in Divisions C7 and H5] In a method of producing by an electroslag process high purity non-ferrous ingots, e.g. nickel or copper, the metal to be melted into an ingot is formed by electrolytic deposition on a cathode and a consumable electrode may be made up of layers of cathode metal produced in sheet form by electrolysis, said sheets being cut into strips and fastened together in bundles e.g. by welding. A consumable or a non- consumable electrode process may be used. A slag is used comprising oxygen-free halides of alkalis and alkaline earth metals, the melting point of the halides being not lower than 800‹ C. 1-30% of alkaline earth metal oxides may be added and a protective gas atmosphere of inert gases, e.g. argon or helium, or active gases, e.g. nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen or methane, or a mixture thereof, may be used. When nickel is melted the slag may be 70 ...

PROCESS FOR SEPARATING NICKEL COBALT AND COPPER

... 1537470 Separating Ni, Cr and Cu SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO Ltd and S NAKABE 23 Dec 1975 [23 Jan 1975] 52639/75 Heading C7D Nickel and/or cobalt are separated from copper by reacting with agitation a feed mixture comprising copper, nickel and/or cobalt as metals and/ or sulphides in the molten state with a reagent comprising carbonaceous material and optionally metallic iron or iron sulphide, the products of the reaction being a high carbon ferrous alloy and a matte. The high carbon ferrous alloy may be smelted with addition of a nickel matte to produce nickel while the matte may be smelted with addition of a copper matte to produce copper. The converter slag from both smelting operations may then be treated to produce cobalt.

Improvements in or relating to separating nickel and copper from copper-nickel mattes or other material

... 240,789. International Nickel Co., (Assignees of Stanley, R. C.). Sept. 30, 1924, [Convention date]. Matte processes for copper and nickel.-Nickel and copper are separated from mattes or other material by a process which consists in subjecting the material to a furnace treatment, separating the product into copper tops and nickel bottoms, and blowing the tops and bottoms in converters. The material is smelted in a cupola furnace with an alkali sulphide, and the molten sulphides are taken from a fore-hearth to a separating furnace or to large pots. The bottoms may be resmelted, if desired, the copper tops resulting therefrom being returned to the first smelting cupola. The nickel bottoms are treated in a converter lined with basic or neutral material, and the metallic nickel is then refined electrolytically. Precious metals are recovered in the slimes from the electrolytic cells, and the cell liquor is circulated through cementing tanks to remove copper and iron. Specification 138,600 is ...

Metal recovery from metallurgical waste by chloridising

Method and arrangement for refining copper concentrate

Metal recovery from metallurgical waste by chloridising.

Metal recovery from metallurgical waste by chloridising.

Metal recovery from metallurgical waste by chloridising.

PROCEDURE FOR THE OXIDIZING OF MOLTEN BATHS

PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR THE SEPARATION FROM METAL PARTICLES.

Procedure for melting copper and copper alloys in the induction furnace

PROCEDURE FOR THE POLAND OF COPPER WITH HYDROGEN AND NITROGEN

CIRCUMFERENTIAL SEAL APPARATUS

METAL CONVERTER

Method of continuous fire refining of copper

METAL CONVERTER

Apparatus and process for producing blister copper

Process for refining high-impurity copper to anode copper

DEOXIDATION OF COPPER

REMOVAL OF ARSENIC, ANTIMONY AND BISMUTH FROM MOLTEN COPPER WITH SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE

K-0459-KCC A method for removing bismuth, antimony, and/or arsenic impurities from molten copper by contacting such molten copper with sulfur hexafluoride gas, which reacts directly with the specified impurities to form gaseous fluorides, is described.

SUBMERGED COMBUSTION IN MOLTEN MATERIALS

SUBMERGED COMBUSTION REFINING OF COPPER A process for heating a molten material by injecting oxygen and a fuel into a molten bath of the material at a bath temperature above the spontaneous combustion temperature of the fuel, at least a portion of the fuel forming a shroud around the oxygen, and combusting the fuel to provide heat to the molten material. Where the molten material is impure copper the amount of oxygen and fuel injected may also be controlled to alternately oxidize and reduce the copper impurities and remove them from the bath. Solid material may be melted in the bath during any stage of heating or refining. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the fuel forms a shroud around the oxygen during injection, and the oxygen forms a shroud around the remaining fuel.

PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THERMAL REFINING OF HIGHLY CONTAMINATED COPPER IN THE MOLTEN PHASE

The disclosure relates to a process for the thermal refining of contaminated copper in the molten phase wherein, first runs of molten raw copper are bessemerized from copper matte into blister copper or from black copper into converter copper to form an intermediate product, and, subsequently, thermally refining said intermediate product to anode quality, characterized by melting the intermediate product and simultaneously treating the molten substance with reaction media in two reaction levels located one above the other in a treating room. It also relates to an apparatus for the thermal refining of contaminated copper in the molten phase which comprises a reactor and at least two separate means located one above the other for blowing-in reaction gas at different reacation levels in said molten phase. This will make it possible to produce a copper of high degree of purity from contaminated black copper or copper matte.

DRY SMELTING PROCESS FOR COPPER CONCENTRATED AND COPPER ORES

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING COPPER FORM COPPER-BEARING MATERIALS

CONTROLLING OF OXYGEN CONTENT IN METALS AND ALLOYS

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING COPPER FROM COPPER-BEARING MATERIALS

METHOD FOR ADDING SOLID METAL TO MOLTEN METAL AND ARTICLES

METHOD FOR ADDING SOLID METAL TO MOLTEN METAL AND ARTICLES

CONTINUOUS FIRE REDUCTION OF LIQUID COPPER

The invention relates to a pyrometallurgical method for continuously reducing oxidised copper using combustion gases flowing counter-current to the continuous gravitational flow of liquid copper dispersed through a packed-bed reactor of ceramic grains.

Verfahren zum Schmelzen, Konvertern und Raffinieren von Kupfer und Ofen zu seiner Ausführung.

Procédé de désoxydation du cuivre.

Verfahren zum Schmelzen nicht eisenhaltiger Metalle.

Procédé d'élimination du zinc des alliages cuivreux

Procédé d'élimination du zinc des alliages de cuivre

Verfahren zum Schmelzen von Kupfer und Kupferlegierungen, insbesondere von hochwertigem Leitkupfer in Induktionsöfen

Verfahren zum Erniedrigen der Erweichungstemperatur und Verbessern der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit von sauerstofffreiem Kupfer

Verfahren zur Herstellung von Kontaktstücken für die Verwendung in elektrischen Vakuumschaltern

Procédé d'affinage des métaux

Lance d'injection d'oxygène

Verfahren zur Reinigung von Kupfer und Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens

Copper anode furnace with sliding closure.

Ein Kupfer-Anodenofen weist eine um eine horizontale Achse verschwenkbare Ofentrommel (2) auf, in welcher Kupferschmelze mittels Flammraffination zu Anodenkupfer gereinigt wird. Diese Ofentrommel (2) ist mit einem Ausguss (10) zum Abgiessen des gereinigten Kupfers versehen. Am Ausguss (10) der Ofentrommel (2) ist ein Schiebeverschluss (20) angeordnet, der mindestens eine feststehende feuerfeste Verschlussplatte (21) sowie eine dieser gegenüber verschiebbare feuerfeste Schieberplatte (22) umfasst. Durch die Verschiebung der Schieberplatte (22) ist der Auslass aus der Ofentrommel (2) drosselbar bzw. verschliessbar und somit die Ausflussmenge des Kupfers steuerbar. Mit diesem Schiebeverschluss (2) kann ein die Anodenqualität beeinträchtigendes Einziehen von Schlacke in den Abguss verhindert werden.

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CATHODE COPPER

ALLOYS [...][...] PARTIALLY TO MG - OR AT AC - VECTORS FOR ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS AND/OR THERMAL

EN OEUVRE

Perfectionnements permettant d'éviter que le cuivre à raffiner, sous une forme pulvérulente, ne soit soufflé à l'extérieur du four par l'air de combustion du coke. Le four 10 comprend un préchauffeur 12 du mélange de cuivre et de fondant, un plateau métallique 14, une cheminée oblique 16 d'évacuation des gaz, une porte 18 d'introduction du coke, une chambre supérieure à gaz 20, un râble 22, une boîte à moteur 24, un conduit 26, une alimentation en air 30 avec une trémie 28, une sortie 34 pour la masse fondue, une cuve 36, des échangeurs de chaleur 38 et 42, des tuyères 58 ...

Alliages CuSn désoxydés partiellement au Mg- ou au Ca- destinés aux conducteurs électriques et/ou thermiques

L'invention concerne des alliages CuSn désoxydés partiellement au Mg- ou au Ca- à usage de conducteurs électriques et/ou thermiques. Composition pondérale de ces alliages : - teneur en Sn comprise entre 200 et 1200 ppm; - teneur résiduelle en Mg (ou Ca) inférieure à 10ppm, le Mg ou le Ca étant sous forme d'oxyde; - teneur en oxygène inférieure à 100 ppm; - teneur en impuretés métalliques inférieure à 40ppm; - le cuivre constitue le reste. L'invention concerne aussi un procédé comportant une désoxydation partielle au Mg ou au Ca, qui permet d'obtenir ces alliages.

Process of bessemerizing of the copper matte

PROCESS FOR THE PURIFICATION OF NON-FERROUS METALS

PROCESS Of ELIMINATION OF ARSENIC, the ANTIMONY AND the BISMUTH OF COPPER MELTED USING SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE

MANUFACTURE OF COPPER

Improvements brought to the treatment of copper

COPPER REFINING PROCESS

Process of refining copper

Conversion of cuprous materials

Method of separating nickel and copper from copper-nickel mattes or materials

Metal and process of manufacture

GAS INJECTION DEVICE

A gas injection device for introducing a process gas into a non-ferrous metal melt and/or slag, in particular a copper melt and/or copper slag, including a hollow-cylindrical lance which is formed from a refractory material and/or graphite, preferably includes a refractory material and/or graphite. The lance has an inlet opening for the process gas and a gas injection module connected to the hollow-cylindrical lance and formed from a refractory material and/or graphite, preferably including a refractory material and/or graphite, with at least one outlet opening for the process gas. The outlet opening includes at least one throughflow element formed from a ceramic material via which the process gas can be introduced into the melt.

Improvements in the puriflcation of copper

Copper containing bismuth as an impurity is treated for the removal of the bismuth by adding to the molten copper an alkali metal, or a hydroxide, oxide, or carbonate of an alkali metal, or any mixture of these reagents, in the presence of air, oxygen, or an oxidizing agent, and removing any compounds formed, for example by skimming. The treatment is carried out on a furnace hearth or in a crucible or other container made of or lined wholly or in part with a refractory material such as magnesite which is inert to or only slightly acted upon by strongly alkaline slags or fluxes. The reagent may be added to the surface of the molten copper or may be passed through the molten metal, or the molten copper may be passed in a stream or spray through the molten reagent. Air may be blown through the molten copper or an oxidizing agent such as cuprous oxide may be added and sodium hydroxide, oxide, or carbonate may then be added, after preheating, and stirred into the metal. The oxidation and treatment ...

Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of metal lances in molten baths

... 1,130,845. Gas blowing lances. NORANDA MINES Ltd. 28 March, 1967 [13 April, 1966], No. 16232/66. Heading F4B. A lance assembly used for injecting a gas stream into a bath of molten material 20 and which is cooled by introducing a finely divided spray of liquid droplets into the gas stream comprises a lance having a feed chamber 6 attached to it. Water or other liquid such as naphtha is delivered to the lance 3 through an inlet tube 34. The gas stream enters the chamber 6 through an opening 33 and passes through an atomizing nozzle 36 designed so that a mixture of water droplets and gas passes through the lance 13 wherein the water is vaporized. When the lance assembly is used in copper refining the gas is an hydrocarbon such as propane, butane, ethane or methane.

Process for working up cement copper

Cement copper, in non-briquetted form, is melted down and refined in an internally heated rotary drum furnace. The cement copper is so charged as to lie on the bottom and both side walls of the furnace and preferably has a moisture content of 6 to 15 per cent, produced by drying and re-moistening, or is preheated to between red heat and its melting point in a drum or circular furnace provided with rabbling arms.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY SEPARATING VOLATILE AND NON-VOLATILE METALS

A method and apparatus for simultaneously separating volatile metals, including zinc and lead, and non-volatile metals, including copper, from mixtures of metallic and metallic oxide and the like materials, includes a reactor having a lower, reactor, chamber, an upper, reflux, chamber and a vertically arranged, hollow shaft interconnecting the two chambers. The shaft is substantially filled with a mixture of pieces of metallic material, having minimal oxide content, and carbonaceous material, such as coke. The reactor chamber is intensely heated by a transferred arc plasma generator to provide sufficient heat energy which together with reducing gases cause a reducing reaction and melt the non-volatile copper and other metals which form a puddle upon the floor of the reaction chamber and to form a layer of slag covering the puddle, and simultaneously to vaporize the volatile zinc, lead and the like metals. The reflux chamber is maintained at a temperature and vapor pressure suitable to condense ...

Recovery of copper-rich phases from lead bullion

Lead bullion, from lead smelting or zinc/lead smelting furnaces and containing 4% to 60% copper, is granulated and subsequently subjected to a copper-recovery operation. This avoids problems of copper dross solidification in pipes and treatment vessels. Granulation may be by water or air-quenching; mutual impingement of jets of molten bullion, or by mechanical means. The copper may be recovered by a continuous drossing operation; melting followed by slow cooling; physical separation; leaching; fuming off lead or electro-refining.

METHOD FOR THE TREATMENT OF MOLTEN NON-FERROUS METALS BY BLOWING WITH REACTION GASES

... 1457175 Refining metals W WUTH 8 Feb 1974 [9 Feb 1973] 05951/74 Heading C7D In a method of removing impurities from molten metals, such as copper, oxygen or oxygen enriched air reaction gas is blown on to the metal surface from at least one gas jet, mounted approximately perpendicularly to the molten metal surface, with such a force that the melt rotates in a torus-like manner, bringing fresh metal from the bath depth to the surface where it can react with the gas. The reaction rate is determined by the jetpressure and the nozzle-to-bath distance, and optimum results are achieved where these two factors are adjusted so that minimal splashing occurs. Approximate values for blast impression depths for oxidizing and reducing copper are given as 1À8 and 1À5 cms. respectively, and the use of convergent/divergent nozzles instead of the normal convergent nozzles is recommended.

Process for refining copper containing matte

The purification of a matte containing at least 10% copper by removal of one or more of the impurities lead, arsenic, bismuth, zinc, antimony and cadmium which comprises chloridizing a molten bath of the matte at a temperature of at least 800 DEG C with copper chloride, nickel chloride or chlorine gas or mixtures thereof to provide sufficient chlorine to combine stoichiometrically with the impurities to be removed, discontinuing chloridization and thereafter purging the bath with a gas stream containing inert gas for at least 10 minutes.

Deoxidation of copper and its alloys

Copper and its alloys are deoxidized by first passing therethrough a stream of hydrogen, after which the melt is subjected to vacuum treatment e.g. at 5 x 10-4 mm. of mercury to remove residual hydrogen. The treatment may be carried out in a graphite crucible.

A Method of Purifying Copper.

... 4692. Sundberg, A. G. Feb. 24. Dry processes of refining copper.-Copper is purified by blowing carbonate of sodium or of potassium, or both, together with a combustible, beneath the surface of the molten metal. Specifications 1922/68 and 217/75 are referred to.

Improvements in the treatment of lead-bearing mattes and the like

The acid-brine process of extracting lead described in Specification 127,641 is applied to the extraction of lead from leady matters such as mattes containing lead, copper, and zinc. The pulverized matte is treated with a hot, strong solution of a chloride to which has been added hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, or an alkali bisulphate.

Improvements in and relating to the refining of metals

In the refining of metals, and more particularly electrolytic copper, the metals are first heated in an electric radiating furnace to 900-1000 DEG C., so as to avoid melting whilst protecting them from the atmosphere until the major part of the occluded hydrogen has escaped, the metals being afterwards melted in the same furnace and then cast immediately while protected from the action of the atmosphere. When treating copper cathodes, they are placed on charcoal in the furnace before being heated. Other metals such as iron, cobalt nickel and aluminium may also be refined in the same manner.

Improvements in or relating to the refining of copper

... 420,671. Refining copper; removing impurities from molten metals by exhaustion. BROWNSDON, H. W., 43, St. Agnes Road, Moseley, Birmingham, and IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, Ltd., Millbank, London. May 29, 1933, No. 15472. [Classes 72 and 82 (i)] In a process for refining copper containing bismuth, the molten metal is subjected to a reduced pressure for a sufficient period of time to reduce the bismuth content to the required extent, the temperature of the molten metal being that of the usual molten refining process viz. 1100-1200‹ C. The refining may be carried out in vacuo. Copper is first melted in a reverberatory furnace 1 and the molten metal poured into an induction furnace 2, which is hermetically sealed, an air-tight cover 3 being provided for the inlet hole. A branch pipe 4 leads to a vacuum chamber 5 provided with cooling coils 6 and baffles 7 and connected by a pipe 8 to a vacuum pump 9. The bismuth vapours produced in the furnace 2 are condensed in the chamber 5. According to ...

Metal Recovery Process

A process for recovering a metal chloride or mixed metal chloride from a solid waste material comprising recoverable metal containing constituents produced by lead, copper or zinc smelting and refining processes, said process comprising the steps of: (i) heating the solid waste material; (ii) treating the heated material of step (i) with a gaseous chloride to form a gaseous metal chloride containing product; and (iii) treating the gaseous metal chloride containing product of step (ii) to recover the metal chloride or mixed metal chloride. The metal chloride may be further treated to extract the metal itself.

Method of leaching copper and gold from sulfide ores

Disclosed is a method of leaching copper and gold from sulfide ores, which includes Process (1) of bringing a first aqueous acidic solution which contains chlorine ion, copper ion and iron ion, but no bromine ion, into contact with sulfide ores under supply of an oxidizing agent, so as to leach copper component contained in the sulfide ores; Process (2) of separating, by solid-liquid separation, a leaching reaction liquid obtained in Process (1), into a leaching residue and a leachate; and Process (3) of bringing a second aqueous acidic solution which contains chlorine ion, bromine ion, copper ion and iron ion, into contact with the leaching residue obtained in Process (2) under supply of an oxidizing agent, so as to leach gold contained in the leaching residue.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LEACHING METAL FROM MINING ORE

Porous leach pipe and method for leaching metals from mining ores. The porous pipe may be buried beneath the surface of a pile of mined ore, providing a more even and uniform distribution of the leaching solution across the pile, increasing metal yields, reducing water consumption and eliminating pooling and ponding of the solution on the top of the piles as occurs with prior art drip line emitters. 120-. (canceled)21. An apparatus for leaching metal from mining ore , comprising a microporous leach pipe adapted to be buried beneath a surface of a pile of mining ore , the microporous leach pipe comprising a flexible microporous tubular wall of rubber or plastic material having a porous sponge-like structure with a multiplicity of interconnected irregular shaped pores such that a leach solution under pressure in the pipe will seep through the wall at a rate of from 0.5 to 2.0 gallons per 100 feet per minute.22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the microporous wall has a pore size in a range of from 0.001 to 0.004 inch.23. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the length of the microporous wall is at least 100 feet.24. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the microporous wall has a wall thickness of at least 0.05 inches.25. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the microporous wall has an inner diameter of at least 0.25 inch.26. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the microporous wall has a pore size in a range of from 0.001 to 0.004 inch claim 21 , a wall thickness of from 0.05 to 0.5 inch claim 21 , an inner diameter of from 0.25 to 1 inch claim 21 , and a length of at least 100 feet. The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for leaching metal from a pile of mining ore, which method and apparatus delivers a leaching solution more uniformly across the pile thereby increasing metal yields, reducing water consumption and reducing environmental concerns.Copper, gold and other mined ores are blasted or crushed into small chunks and placed directly into large ...

METHOD OF LEACHING COPPER ORE

Provided is a method of leaching copper ore which contains chalcopyrite, the method includes a first leaching stage based on an oxidative leaching reaction of copper by iron (III) ion, and a second leaching stage, in succession to the first leaching stage, using a solution containing iodide ion and iron (III) ion.

METHOD FOR LEACHING COPPER FROM COPPER SULFIDE ORE

The present invention provides a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore, wherein operating costs and environmental impacts can be effectively reduced. The present invention is a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore by a process of leaching a layer of stacked ores, wherein the leaching solution containing Fe (III) ion and other leaching solution containing iodide ion are fed through routes independent of each other to a layer of stacked ores containing a copper sulfide ore. 1. A method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore by a process of leaching a layer of stacked ores , wherein a leaching solution containing Fe (III) ion and other leaching solution containing iodide ion are fed through routes independent of each other to a layer of stacked ores containing a copper sulfide ore.2. A method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore according to claim 1 , wherein a major component of the ore containing the copper sulfide ore is chalcopyrite. The present invention relates to a method of leaching copper from a copper sulfide ore. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method of leaching copper effectively reducing operating costs and environmental impacts in leaching copper from stacked ore bodies by stacking a copper sulfide ore, and particularly a copper sulfide ore containing poorly soluble ores in mineral acids such as chalcopyrite and by feeding an acid from the top of the heap to leach copper.It has been known that in a hydrometallurgical process of copper, leaching of copper is significantly promoted by adding iodine or iodide ion and Fe (III) ion to the leaching solution in order to recover copper by leaching a poorly soluble copper sulfide ore in mineral acids such as chalcopyrite (Patent Literature 1).On the one hand, there is a problem of channeling phenomenon which causes only the flow paths of the leaching solution to be leached in the process of leaching copper. In contrast, when iodine, being a simple ...

SULFIDE ORE LEACHING PROCESS

The present invention discloses a new process for leaching sulfide minerals consisting of leaching crushed ore in a vat reactor, wherein the leaching solution is fed with an ORP value close to the upper limit suitable for leaching and the exiting leaching solution leaves the reactor with an ORP above the lower limit suitable for leaching the ore. The output leaching solution that leaves the leaching reactor goes through an iron oxidation stage outside the leaching reactor, with the iron oxidation producing soluble ferric sulfate that is mixed with a recirculated portion of the output leaching solution to increase its ORP up to a value close to the upper limit of the redox potential range that is suitable for the ore leaching. 1. A process for leaching sulfide minerals , comprising:crushed ore leaching in a vat reactor in which an input leaching solution is fed with an ORP value close to the upper limit of an ORP range suitable for ore leaching and from where the exiting leaching solution leaves with an OPR above the lower limit of the ORP range that is suitable for leaching an ore of interest; andwhere part of the output leaching solution that leaves the leaching reactor goes through an iron oxidation stage, external to the leaching reactor, with the iron oxidation producing soluble ferric sulfate that is mixed with a recirculated portion of the output leaching solution to increase its ORP up to a value close to the upper limit of the redox potential range that is suitable for the ore leaching.2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the crushed ore has particle sizes ranging from 2 mm to 120 mm.3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the ore inside the leaching reactor is kept substantially submerged in the leaching solution in a way that voids between the ore crushed particles are saturated and filled in with the leaching solution.4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the solution ORP remains within an optimal leaching window of ˜380 to 450 mV ...

METHOD FOR LEACHING COPPER OXIDE, REPLACING SULFURIC ACID WITH A NON-POLLUTING ORGANIC LEACHING AGENT

The invention relates to a method for leaching copper oxide without using sulfuric acid, comprising the following steps consisting in: impregnating the copper oxide using a non-polluting organic leaching agent consisting of an aqueous solution formed by tricarboxylic acid (C6H807) combined with water in a mixture having an acidity varying between a pH of 1 and 5; obtaining copper citrate; and, optionally, again irrigating the copper oxide impregnated with the non-polluting organic leaching agent, thereby obtaining a more concentrated copper citrate. 1. An hydrometallurgical process for the leaching of copper oxide ores that allows the production of cathodes , sheets or copper precipitates , that uses an organic and non contaminant leaching agent , that comprises the following steps:{'sub': 6', '8', '7', '2, 'a) the leaching of copper oxide ore, in which, once the ore moved from the mine, the primary, secondary and tertiary grinding are carried out for its classification, after which it is transported to an agglomeration step to be impregnated with a leaching agent that consists of an aqueous solution composed by tricarboxylic acid (CHO) in combination with water (HO), in a mixture such that the acidity varies between a pH value of 1.0 and 5.0; the ore impregnated is transported and stocked in leaching piles, which are irrigated with the leaching agent previously specified with a systematic addition that consists in dividing or parceling the leaching piles in sectors, that are sequentially irrigated with the leaching agent, thus obtaining a concentrated copper citrate;'}b) electro-deposition of the obtained copper citrate, which is conducted and poured, by means of a controlled flow, to electro-deposition tanks, which contain anodes and cathodes fed with a continuous voltage varying between 0.1 and 7.0 Volts, at a current density varying between 5.0 and 300.0 amperes per square meter;c) recovery of the leaching piles by means of a second ore grinding already worn out ...

Sustainable process for reclaiming precious metals and base metals from e-waste

Processes for recycling electronic components removed from printed wire boards, whereby precious metals and base metals are extracted from the electronic components using environmentally friendly compositions. At least gold, silver and copper ions can be extracted from the electronic components and reduced to their respective metals using the processes and compositions described herein.

SOLID-LIQUID-SOLID HYDROMETALLURGICAL METHOD FOR THE SOLUBILIZATION OF METALS FROM SULFIDE COPPER MINERALS AND/OR CONCENTRATES

The present invention relates to a solid-liquid-solid hydrometallurgical method in the presence of hydrated and/or non-hydrated salts in an oversaturation conditions, which is achieved by the intentional and repetitive application of drying and wetting steps, enhancing the chemical and physical phenomena on the mineral or concentrate, thus provoking the crystallization, re-crystallization, and release of copper in a non-stoichiometric decomposition of the sulfide and its subsequent precipitation with chloride. The invention is made up of 3 steps called: (a) Wetting, (b) Drying and Oversaturation, (c) Washing and re-wetting, and these are conducted at temperatures ranging from 20-40° C. regardless of the redox potential with a minimum consumption of water and acid without requiring the addition of oxygen. The method allows diminishing the water and acid consumption, since the transformation of the sulfide can be carried out only in the presence of hydrated salts and/or the minimal addition of acid and water. Furthermore, the present invention allows reducing the use of water in the agglomeration and/or agglomeration-curing step, as when the hydrated salt is mixed with the mineral, the water molecules of the hydrated salt wet the mineral, reducing the volume of water that shall be added in the steps of wetting and agglomeration and/or curing. 1. A Solid-Liquid-Solid hydrometallurgical method for the solubilization of metals from minerals and/or concentrates of sulfide minerals of primary and/or secondary origin containing them , wherein said method comprises the following sequential and/or overlapped steps:I. Wetting, wherein the mineral or concentrate is wetted by the addition of water or water-acid and hydrated and/or non-hydrated chloride salts;II. Drying and Oversaturation, wherein the wetted mineral is dried by vaporization and/or evaporation, which may be carried out both in the heap as in the conveyor belt, generating oversaturation conditions, crystallization ...

Process for Recovering Precious Metals from Clay-Containing Ores

A solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore and a method of leaching ore is described. The solution comprises a cyanide; a wetting agent; and a clay stabilizing polymer. 126-. (canceled)27. A method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore comprising:forming a heap of ore on a leach bed; cyanide;', 'a wetting agent; and', 'a clay stabilizing polymer;, 'percolating a leach solution through said heap wherein said leach solution comprisesthereby forming a pregnant leach solution comprising said precious metal; andremoving said precious metal from said pregnant leach solution.28. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of gold claim 27 , silver claim 27 , copper and uranium.29. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said leach solution has a pH of at least 8 to no more than 11.30. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said leach solution has a pH of at least 9.5 to no more than 10.5.31. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said leach solution comprises at least 50 ppm cyanide to no more than 1000 ppm cyanide.32. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said leach solution comprises at least 200 ppm cyanide to no more than 800 ppm cyanide.33. The method for heap leaching of metals from clay containing ore of wherein said clay stabilizing polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxide copolymer; propoxylated glycols; polyamine copolymer comprising dicyandiamide claim 27 , formaldehyde and ammonia; polyvinyl alcohol; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyacrylamide; quaternary amines and particularly tetramethylammonium salts; carboxymethyl cellulose; methacrylate copolymers; hydroxyaldehydes; hydroxyketones; and copolymers of anionic or cationic monomers.34. The method for heap leaching of metals ...

SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND PROCESS FOR LEACHING METAL AND STORING THERMAL ENERGY DURING METAL EXTRACTION

An environmentally friendly (e.g. no acid, base, or cyanide) system and process for large scale extraction of metal ion into aerobic molten salt (or ionic liquid) and the electrodeposition of metal (e.g. copper, gold, silver, etc.) from the metal ion dissolved in the molten salt. The non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid salt is reusable, and heat from the molten slag can heat the molten salts or ionic liquids. Another embodiment comprises a one-pot apparatus for the extraction of metal (e.g. copper) from metal earths and electrodepositing the metal using a low melting (209° C.) aerated Na—K—Zn chloride salt in which copper metal oxidizes and is converted to soluble copper chloride. When an electrical power supply is connected to the graphite vessel (cathode) and to copper rods in the melt (anodes), then the copper chloride is deposited as copper metal by electroreduction on the bottom of the graphite reaction vessel. 1. An environmentally friendly leaching process for extracting and depositing metals from ore and slag , the process comprising:(a) passing a molten ore or slag through a heat exchanger to transmit heat from the molten ore or slag to the heat exchanger;(b) heating a non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid with the heat exchanger;(c) transmitting the heated non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid to an open air crucible;(d) dissolving ore or slag into the non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid in the open air crucible until the mixture is a liquid solution with metal ions and undissolved ore or slag;(e) separating, using a filtration or decanting mechanism, said liquid solution from said undissolved ore or slag; i. a high temperature resistant housing;', 'ii. a cathode electrode and an anode electrode connected to a direct current power supply on an upper end, and immersed in said liquid solution on a bottom end; and,', 'iii. one or more valves to drain said electrochemical reactor;, '(f) transferring said liquid solution from the open air-crucible into ...

Battery recycling with electrolysis of the leach to remove copper impurities

The present disclosure relates to a process for the recovery of transition metals from batteries comprising treating a transition metal material with a leaching agent to yield a leach which contains dissolved copper impurities, and depositing the dissolved copper impurities as elemental copper on a particulate deposition cathode by electrolysis of an electrolyte containing the leach.

Method of Processing a Pyrite-Containing Slurry

A method of processing a pyrite-containing slurry including removing pyrite from the pyrite-containing slurry and forming (i) an inert stream and (ii) a pyrite-containing material. Using the pyrite-containing material in a downstream leach step in which pyrite in the pyrite-containing material generates acid and heat that facilitates leaching a metal, such as copper or nickel or zinc or cobalt, from a metal-containing material. 1. A method of removing copper from a low-grade copper-containing material having copper sulfide minerals comprising(a) obtaining a pyrite-containing slurry from a tailings dam or directly from a tailings stream of an ore processing plant; (i) an inert stream and', '(ii) a pyrite-containing material including pyrite-containing particles;, '(b) removing pyrite from the pyrite-containing slurry by floating pyrite-containing particles and forming'}(c) mixing a low-grade copper-containing material having copper sulfide minerals with the pyrite-containing material and forming agglomerates, and 'wherein the pyrite in the pyrite-containing material generates acid and heat that facilitates leaching copper from the copper-containing material, and wherein the microbes oxidize ferrous iron to ferric iron.', '(d) leaching copper from the copper-containing material in the agglomerates from step (c) with a leach liquor and microbes,'}2. (canceled)3. The method defined in wherein the pyrite removing step (b) includes a size separation step which separates larger particles from the pyrite-containing slurry before removing pyrite from the pyrite-containing slurry.4. The method defined in wherein the pyrite removing step (b) includes reducing the size of the larger particles in a size reduction circuit and returning the reduced-sized particles to the size separation step.5. The method defined in wherein the pyrite removing step (b) includes selecting operating conditions so that pyrite particles in the pyrite-containing material have a required particle size ...

Metal Recovery by Leaching Agglomerates of Metal-Containing Material/Pyrite

A method of recovering a metal, such as copper or nickel or zinc or cobalt, from a metal-containing material, such as a metal-containing material that has been categorized by a mine operator as being “non-economic” from the perspective of recovering the metal from the material. Mixing (i) the metal-containing material and (ii) pyrite and forming agglomerates. Leaching agglomerates with a leach liquor, with pyrite generating acid and heat that facilitate recovering the metal from the metal-containing material, and forming a pregnant leach liquor containing metal. Recovering the metal from the pregnant leach liquor. 1. A method of recovering copper from a low-grade copper-containing material comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining a pyrite-containing slurry from a mine;(b) mixing (i) the low-grade copper-containing material and (ii) pyrite in, or obtained from, the pyrite-containing slurry and forming agglomerates;(c) heap leaching agglomerates from step (b) with a leach liquor and microbes, with pyrite generating acid and heat that facilitate recovering copper from the low-grade copper-containing material, and with the microbes oxidising ferrous iron to ferric iron, and forming a pregnant leach liquor containing copper; and(d) recovering copper in solution from the pregnant leach liquor.2. The method defined in wherein the low-grade copper-containing material is in the form of as-mined material or stockpiled material.3. The method defined in further includes comminuting as-mined or as-stockpiled material.4. The method defined in wherein comminuting further includes crushing as-mined or as-stockpiled material in one or more than one comminution circuit that reduces the size of the as-mined or as-stockpiled material.5. The method defined in wherein crushing further includes crushing as-mined or as-stockpiled material successively in primary claim 4 , secondary and tertiary comminution circuits.6. The method defined in further comprising mixing the low-grade copper- ...

COPPER ANODE REFINING SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method and system for the copper anode refining is provided in which coherent jet technology is employed to heat the molten blister copper and/or melt scrap copper charges using a melting flame, oxidize the sulfur in the molten blister copper, and reduce the oxygen in the molten blister copper using top-blown coherent jet gas streams from one or more multi-functional, coherent jet lance assemblies. The present system and method employs a microprocessor-based controller operatively controlling the flow of an oxygen-containing gas, an inert gas, a reducing agent and a fuel to the coherent jet lance. The disclosed copper anode refining system and method greatly improves copper production while lowering oxidation /reduction cycle times and minimizing NOemissions. 1. A method for the anode refining of copper comprising the steps of:(i) charging molten blister copper to a furnace;(ii) charging copper scrap to the molten blister copper in the furnace;(iii) melting said copper scrap or heating the molten blister copper using a melting flame produced from a top blown, multi-functional coherent jet lance, said coherent jet lance coupled to an oxygen-containing gas source, and a fuel source;(iv) oxidizing sulfur impurities in the molten blister copper in the furnace using a top-blown, coherent oxygen-containing gas stream ejected from the coherent jet lance, said coherent jet lance coupled to the oxygen-containing gas source and the fuel source; and(v) reducing oxygen in the molten blister copper in the furnace using a top-blown, coherent reducing gas stream containing a reducing agent and an inert gas ejected from the coherent jet lance; said coherent jet lance coupled to the oxygen-containing gas source, the fuel source; a source of the reducing agent; and a source of the inert gas.2. The method of wherein the method of anode refining of copper is a continuous fire refining process and the method further comprises the steps of repeating steps (iii) through (v) for each ...

SOLID-LIQUID-SOLID METHOD FOR THE SOLUBILISATION OF COPPER MINERALS AND CONCENTRATES, INDEPENDENT OF THE REDOX POTENTIAL AND WITH LOW CONSUMPTION OF WATER AND ACID

The present invention relates to a chemical and physical hydrometallurgical method with solid-liquid-solid interaction for the solubilization of copper sulphides, by Selective Transformation and Precipitation of soluble, chlorinated, copper species, where said method does not depend on the redox potential and can be carried out in a wide range of pH under conditions of salts supersaturation, which is a condition that is generated by periods of non-irrigation, from ores or copper concentrates, mainly primary sulphides, such as chalcopyrite comprising said copper. This method is composed of 3 steps, called “Moistening and Solvation Step”, “Selective Transformation and Precipitation Step” and “Acid-Chlorinated Washing step”, wherein said method does neither require the addition of oxidizing or reducing agents, nor oxygen. Furthermore, the steps of the method can be applied only with the presence of water, where acid addition is not required. On the other hand, the repetitions of the steps of the method potentiate the physical effects on the ore or concentrate through the phenomena of haloclasty and crystallization of salts. The invention can also be applied to sulphide base metals such as nickel, zinc, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, among others, independently of the usual impurities of the sulphide ores, as occurs with the presence of arsenic. 1. A method for the solubilization of metals from ores and/or concentrates of sulphide ores of primary and/or secondary origin comprising said metals , wherein said method comprises the following sequential and/or overlapped steps:I. Moistening and Solvation, which corresponds to a step in a non-oxidative environment, where the ore or concentrate is moisten by the addition of water or acid-water, chloride salts, without adding oxidizing or reducing agents, wherein this step includes the contact of the ore or concentrate with recirculating solutions of the same process that may contain chloride, iron and copper ions, in an unsaturated ...

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CATHODE COPPER

Provided is a method for producing cathode copper. The method comprises a smelting step including feeding sulfidic copper bearing material and oxygen-bearing reaction gas into a suspension smelting furnace, to produce blister copper, a fire refining step including feeding blister copper into an anode furnace to produce molten anode copper, an anode casting step to produce cast anodes, a quality checking step for dividing cast anodes into accepted cast anodes and rejected cast anodes, an electrolytic refining step including subjecting accepted cast anodes to electrolytic refining in an electrolytic cell to produce cathode copper and as a by-product, spent cast anodes, and a recycling step for recycling anode copper of rejected cast anodes and anode copper of spent cast anodes. 1. A method for producing cathode copper , wherein the method comprisesa smelting step including feeding sulfidic copper bearing material such as sulfidic copper concentrate or finely ground copper matte and additionally oxygen-bearing reaction gas and slag-forming material into a reaction shaft of a suspension smelting furnace by means of a burner that is arranged at a top of the reaction shaft of the suspension smelting furnace, whereby sulfidic copper bearing material, oxygen-bearing reaction gas and slag-forming material react in the reaction shaft of the suspension smelting furnace into blister copper and slag, and collecting blister copper and slag in a settler of the suspension smelting furnace to form a blister layer containing blister copper and a slag layer containing slag on top of the blister layer in the settler of a suspension smelting furnace,a fire refining step including feeding blister copper obtained in the smelting step into an anode furnace and fire-refining blister copper in the anode furnace producing molten anode copper in the anode furnace,an anode casting step including feeding molten anode copper obtained in the fire refining step into anode casting molds to produce ...

METHODS FOR TREATING CARBON MATERIALS INCLUDING CARBONACEOUS ORES

Methods described herein generally relate to the treatment of carbonaceous materials with ozone to facilitate the subsequent recovery of metal species (e.g., precious metals) from the carbonaceous material. In some cases, the method may involve exposure of a carbonaceous material to a relatively low amount of ozone. In some cases, the carbonaceous material may be subjected to oxidizing conditions, e.g. by autoclaving or bio-oxidation, prior to ozone treatment. Such embodiments may allow for more simplified and cost-effective methods for metal recovery. 1. A method , comprising:exposing a carbonaceous feed material comprising at least one metal species to oxidizing conditions selected to produce an oxidized carbonaceous material, wherein the preg-robbing index of the oxidized carbonaceous material is substantially the same as the preg-robbing index of the carbonaceous feed material; andtreating the oxidized carbonaceous material with ozone to produce an ozone-treated carbonaceous material, wherein the preg-robbing index of the ozone-treated carbonaceous material is lower than the preg-robbing index of the oxidized carbonaceous material.2. A method , comprising:exposing a carbonaceous feed material comprising a carbonaceous preg-robbing component and at least one metal species to oxidizing conditions selected to produce an oxidized carbonaceous material, wherein the amount of the carbonaceous preg-robbing component of the oxidized carbonaceous material is substantially the same as the amount of the carbonaceous preg-robbing component of the carbonaceous feed material; andtreating the oxidized carbonaceous material with ozone to produce an ozone-treated carbonaceous material, wherein the amount of the carbonaceous preg-robbing component of the ozone-treated carbonaceous material is lower than the amount of the carbonaceous preg-robbing component of the oxidized carbonaceous material.3. A method as in any preceding claim , further comprising:treating the ozone-treated ...

METHOD FOR RECOVERING Cu AND METHOD OF PREPARING ELECTROLYTIC COPPER

Providing a method of recovering Cu from copper ore containing Hg. A method for recovering Cu from copper ore, the method comprising: (A) providing copper ore containing Hg with an amount of 0.2 ppm or more; (B) treating the copper ore to leach Cu and Hg with use of solution containing iodide ions and Fe (3+); and (C) treating post-leaching solution with activated carbon to absorb the iodide ions and Hg. 1. A method for recovering Cu from copper ore , the method comprising:(A) providing copper ore containing Hg with an amount of 0.2 ppm or more;(B) treating the copper ore to leach Cu and Hg with use of solution containing iodide ions and Fe(3+); and(C) treating post-leaching solution with activated carbon to absorb the iodide ions and Hg.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising treating the activated carbon with sulfurous acid and/or salt thereof.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising reusing the activated carbon that has been treated with sulfurous acid and/or salt thereof for the step (C).4. A method of preparing electrolytic copper comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'obtaining post-leaching solution containing Cu according to ; and'}smelting electrolytic copper from the post leaching solution.5. A method of preparing electrolytic copper comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00002', 'claim 2'}, 'obtaining post-leaching solution containing Cu according to ; and'}smelting electrolytic copper from the post leaching solution.6. A method of preparing electrolytic copper comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00003', 'claim 3'}, 'obtaining post-leaching solution containing Cu according to ; and'}smelting electrolytic copper from the post leaching solution. The present invention is related to a method for recovering Cu and a method of preparing electrolytic copper. In particular, the present invention is related to a method for recovering Cu by leaching Cu from copper ore, and a method of preparing electrolytic copper using the ...

Heap Leaching

A method of leaching chalcopyrite ores includes the steps of forming agglomerates of fragments of chalcopyrite ores and silver and leaching the agglomerates with suitable leach liquor.

Methods And Systems For Reducing Impurity Metal From A Refinery Electrolyte Solution

Disclosed are methods for the reduction of impurity metals from a refinery electrolyte solution. Certain methods comprise contacting a refinery electrolyte solution comprising an impurity metal with a phosphate ester having a structure represented by: wherein R 1 comprises a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or aryl group, and wherein the impurity metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, antimony, arsenic, bismuth, tin and combinations thereof.

ACTIVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING METAL RECOVERY DURING ATMOSPHERIC LEACHING OF METAL SULFIDES

A method of improving metal leach kinetics and recovery during atmospheric or substantially atmospheric leaching of a metal sulfide is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise the step of processing a metal sulfide concentrate in a reductive activation circuit that operates at a first redox potential, to produce a reductively-activated metal sulfide concentrate. The method may further comprise the step of subsequently processing the activated metal sulfide concentrate in an oxidative leach circuit to extract metal values. In some disclosed embodiments, reductive activation steps and/or oxidative dissolution steps may employ mechano-chemical and/or physico-chemical processing of particles or agglomerates thereof. Reductive activation may be made prior to heap leaching or bio-leaching operations to improve metal extraction. Systems for practicing the aforementioned methods are also disclosed. 1) A method of leaching a metal sulfide comprising:{'b': 200', '220', '240', '220', '240', '220', '200, 'providing a metal sulfide leach circuit having therein, a reductive activation circuit and an oxidative leach circuit ; the reductive activation circuit preceding the oxidative leach circuit and being configured for performing metathesis reactions which are capable of producing an iron-depleted metastable phase on metal sulfide leach particles, wherein the reductive activation circuit is configured such that the metathesis reactions produce the iron-depleted metastable phase at outer surface portions of the metal sulfide leach particles; the metal sulfide leach circuit further being configured for controlling the metathesis reactions to limit the production of the iron-depleted metastable phase on the metal sulfide leach particles to between about 0.01% and about 10% by weight or volume of the metal sulfide leach particles;'}{'b': '220', 'maintaining the reductive activation circuit at a pH between 2 and 6;'}{'b': '240', 'maintaining the oxidative leach circuit ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID/SOLID SEPARATION SUCH AS DEWATERING PARTICULATE SOLIDS AND AGITATION LEACHING

Methods and apparatus for liquid/solid separation for use in applications such as dewatering fine particulate solids, and recovery of valuable metals from ore in a leaching process are provided. One application relates to methods of agitation leaching of metals such as gold from gold-bearing feedstock. A slurry is formed in a tank by agitation, and allowed to settle. A filter bed forms to drain the liquid from the tank, and a vertical screen pipe such as a well point addresses the formation of an impervious film on the upper surface of the filter bed. 1. (canceled)2. Method of separating a liquid from particulate solids , comprising the steps of: a) a tank for containing said particulate solids and liquid as a slurry;', 'b) an input to the interior of said tank for introduction of said particulate solids and liquid into said tank;', 'c) a liquid outlet passage communicating with the interior of said tank;', 'd) an agitator suspended within said tank for forming a suspension of said particles in said liquid;', 'e) said tank having a filter bed zone in a lower part thereof for formation of a filter bed to drain liquid from the tank; and', 'f) a screen pipe extending upwardly through said filter bed zone and communicating with said output passage to receive at its upper end a flow of liquid from above said lower section which is carried downwardly to flow out through said filter bed zone to said outlet passage or directly to said outlet passage;, 'i) providing an apparatus for dewatering particulate solids, comprisingii) introducing said particulate solids and liquid into said tank;iii) agitating said particulate solids and liquid to form a slurry;iv) ceasing said agitation to allow said slurry to settle, thereby forming a filter bed to drain liquid from the tank;v) using the screen pipe to transfer liquid from above said filter bed to within said filter bed or directly to said outlet passage;vi) draining the liquid from said particulate solids; andvii) removing the ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REMOVING POLAR COMPOUNDS FROM A METAL-CONTAINING SOLUTION

Methods and systems for removing polar compounds from a metal-containing solution. According to various example aspects, methods and systems for removing hydrolysis byproducts and other polar compounds from a metal-loaded organic solution of a solvent extraction process. 1. A method of recovering metal from a metal-containing aqueous solution , comprisingcontacting an aqueous solution comprising a metal with an organic solution to extract a portion of the metal into the organic solution and forming a metal-loaded organic solution comprising polar compounds and a metal-depleted aqueous solution;separating the metal-loaded organic solution from the metal-depleted aqueous solution;removing a portion of the polar compounds from the metal-loaded organic solution by contacting the metal-loaded organic solution with a polar solid to adsorb the polar compounds onto the polar solid and forming a treated metal organic solution; andrecovering metal values from the treated metal organic solution.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein removing further comprisescontacting the metal-loaded organic solution with a clay prior to the contacting with the polar solid.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the metal values are selected from a group consisting of copper claim 1 , iron claim 1 , nickel claim 1 , zinc claim 1 , metal alloys thereof and combinations thereof.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the organic solution comprises a water immiscible solvent and a reagent selected from a group consisting of a ketoxime claim 1 , an aldoxime and combinations thereof.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water immiscible solvent is selected from a group consisting of kerosene claim 1 , benzene claim 1 , toluene claim 1 , xylene and combinations thereof.6. The method of any of to claim 1 , wherein the organic solution comprises a phenolic oxime.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein a concentration of the phenolic oxime in the organic solution is about 0.018 M to about 1.1 M.8. The method of claim ...

SYSTEM APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR LEACHING METAL AND STORING THERMAL ENERGY DURING METAL EXTRACTION

An environmentally friendly (e.g. no acid, base, or cyanide) system and process for large scale extraction of metal ion into aerobic molten salt (or ionic liquid) and the electrodeposition of metal (e.g. copper, gold, silver, etc.) from the metal ion dissolved in the molten salt. The non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid salt is reusable, and heat from the molten slag can heat the molten salts or ionic liquids. Another embodiment comprises a one-pot apparatus for the extraction of metal (e.g. copper) from metal earths and electrodepositing the metal using a low melting (209° C.) aerated Na—K—Zn chloride salt in which copper metal oxidizes and is converted to soluble copper chloride. When an electrical power supply is connected to the graphite vessel (cathode) and to copper rods in the melt (anodes), then the copper chloride is deposited as copper metal by electroreduction on the bottom of the graphite reaction vessel. 1. A one-pot metal extraction and deposition apparatus , comprising:a. a high temperature resistant, corrosion resistant outer crucible;b. a high temperature resistant, corrosion resistant inner crucible centered within a bottom of said outer crucible, wherein said inner crucible is a cathode electrode;c. a liquid solution within said inner crucible produced by combining aerated low vapour-pressure molten salt or ionic liquid with metal ore or slag;d. a heat source within said outer crucible and encircling said inner crucible to heat said liquid solution;e. an anode rod electrode positioned vertically within said inner crucible;f. a power supply operatively connected to said inner crucible cathode electrode and said anode rod electrode; and,g. a means to stir for continuously mixing said liquid solution within said inner crucible.2. The one-pot metal extraction and deposition apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said liquid solution within said inner crucible is maintained above the melting point of the liquid solution preferably at a temperature of at ...

Ultrasonic Probes with Gas Outlets for Degassing of Molten Metals

Ultrasonic probes containing a plurality of gas delivery channels are disclosed, as well as ultrasonic probes containing recessed areas near the tip of the probe. Ultrasonic devices containing these probes, and methods for molten metal degassing using these ultrasonic devices, also are disclosed.

Method for producing copper and apparatus for producing copper

A method for producing copper includes a first step of dissolving copper by adding a copper-containing material to a solution containing an oxidant, and a second step of depositing copper on a surface of a cathode by bringing a solution (A) containing the oxidant in a reduced state into contact with a solution (B) containing copper dissolved therein with a separator provided between the solution (A) and the solution (B), arranging an anode in the solution (A), arranging the cathode in the solution (B), and applying a voltage to both the electrodes, while the oxidant contained in the solution (A) is regenerated, in which the oxidant has a standard electrode potential of 1.6 V or less.

Process, apparatus, and system for recovering materials from batteries

An apparatus for carrying out size reduction of battery materials under immersion conditions can include a housing configured to hold an immersion liquid comprising at least one of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. A first feed chute may define an opening therein for receiving battery materials of a first type into the housing and a first submergible comminuting device may be disposed within the housing and submerged in the immersion liquid to receive the battery materials of the first type from the first feed chute. The first submergible comminuting device may be configured to cause a size reduction of the battery materials of the first type to form a first reduced-size battery material.

Process, apparatus, and system for recovering materials from batteries

An apparatus for carrying out size reduction of battery materials under immersion conditions can include a housing configured to hold an immersion liquid comprising at least one of sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. A first feed chute may define an opening therein for receiving battery materials of a first type into the housing and a first submergible comminuting device may be disposed within the housing and submerged in the immersion liquid to receive the battery materials of the first type from the first feed chute. The first submergible comminuting device may be configured to cause a size reduction of the battery materials of the first type to form a first reduced-size battery material.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOVERING METAL FROM METAL-CONTAINING WASTE LIQUID

Disclosed is a system for recovering metal from metal-containing waste liquid. The system includes a waste liquid storage unit, an extraction unit, and an electrolysis unit. The waste liquid storage unit is configured to store a metal-containing waste liquid. The extraction unit is in fluid connection with the waste liquid storage unit and includes an extraction device and a back-extraction device. The extraction device is configured to collect a target metal ion present in the metal-containing waste liquid, and the back-extraction device is configured to back-extract the target metal ion into a back-extracting liquid to form a metal compound. The electrolysis unit is in fluid connection with the waste liquid storage unit and the extraction unit, configured to reduce the target metal ion to a solid metal, or to dissociate the metal compound and deposit a solid metal. 1. A system for recovering metal from metal-containing waste liquid , comprising:a waste liquid storage unit configured to store a metal-containing waste liquid;an extraction unit in fluid connection with the waste liquid storage unit, including an extraction device and a back-extraction device, wherein the extraction device is configured to collect a target metal ion present in the metal-containing waste liquid, and the back-extraction device is configured to back-extract the target metal ion into a back-extracting liquid to form a metal compound; andan electrolysis unit in fluid connection with the waste liquid storage unit and the extraction unit, configured to reduce the target metal ion to a solid metal, or to dissociate the metal compound and deposit a solid metal.2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the extraction device is in fluid connection with the back-extraction device through a circulation pipeline claim 1 , and the electrolysis unit is in fluid connection with the waste liquid storage unit and the circulation pipeline through an inlet pipeline thereof.3. The system according to ...

METHOD FOR RECOVERING GOLD AND COPPER FROM ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

A method for recovering gold from electronic components includes a first macro-step of dissolving gold and copper from the electronic components using an aqueous solution comprising HNOconcentrated in a percentage varying from 28% to 38% and concentrated HCl in a percentage varying from 15% to 25%. A second macro-step includes adding KOH to the obtained solution to bring it to a pH between 0.5 and 0.9. A third macro-step includes adding to the solution obtained in the second macro-step an amount of ascorbic acid dissolved in water equal to the amount of gold hypothetically present in a sample of the first macro-step, multiplied by a factor ranging between 1.5 and 3, causing precipitation of gold, which is separated from the solution and made available in powder form in a fourth macro-step.

APPLICATION OF LACTAM AS SOLVENT IN NANOMATERIAL PREPARATION

The present invention disclosed use of lactam as a solvent in the preparation of nanomaterials by precipitation method, sol-gel method or high temperature pyrolysis. These methods are able to recycle lactam solvent, which meet requirements of environmental protection. 1. A method of synthesizing nanomaterials comprising the step of:providing lactam as a solvent in a method for synthesizing nanomaterials.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the lactam is one or more of substances selected cyclic amide or a cyclic amide derivative.5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the cyclic amide derivatives are selected from N-methylvalerolactam claim 2 , N-methylcaprolactam claim 2 , N-vinylcaprolactam and N-methoxycaprolactam.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the nanomaterials refer to substances containing inorganic particles with 1 nm Подробнее

METAL STRIPPING ADDITIVE, COMPOSITION CONTAINING THE SAME, AND METHOD FOR STRIPPING METAL BY USING THE COMPOSITION

The present invention provides a metal stripping additive, composition containing the same, and method for stripping metal by using the composition. The metal stripping additive comprises a phosphate, a carbonate, and a component selected from at least one of citric acid or a derivative thereof, oxalate or a derivative thereof, malate or a derivative thereof. The metal stripping additive is used with nitric acid as the metal stripping composition of the present invention. The present method has advantages of being capable of stripping various metals, low corrosion, low toxicity, and being applicable under ambient temperature. 1. A method for stripping metal , comprising the following steps:contacting an object to be processed with a metal stripping composition; 40 to 60% (v/v) of nitric acid; and', '40 to 60% (v/v) of a metal stripping additive;, 'wherein said metal stripping composition, comprising 10 to 40 wt % of phosphate, wherein said phosphate is monobasic potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, or a combination thereof;', '3 to 15 wt % of carbonate, wherein said carbonate is sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, or a combination thereof;', '5 to 15 wt % of a component selected from at least one of citric acid or a derivative thereof, oxalate or a derivative thereof, or malate or a derivative thereof, wherein said citric acid or a derivative thereof is citric acid monohydrate, trisodium citrate monohydrate, or a combination thereof; and', '5 to 30 wt % of a component selected from at least one of sodium hypochlorite or a derivative thereof, or pyridinesulfonic acid or a derivative thereof;, 'wherein said metal stripping additive, comprisingwherein said metal is gold, copper, nickel, tin, palladium, or a combination thereof;wherein said composition has no harm to an object made of silver, stainless steel, titanium, plastic, or a combination thereof.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said contacting is accomplished ...

PROCESS FOR THE RECOVERY OF CATHODE MATERIALS IN THE RECYCLING OF BATTERIES

A process for removal of aluminium and iron in the recycling of rechargeable batteries comprising providing a leachate from black mass, adding phosphoric acid (HPO) to said leachate and adjusting the pH to form iron phosphate (FePO) and aluminium phosphate (AlPO), precipitating and removing the formed FePOand AlPO, and forming a filtrate for further recovery of cathode metals, mainly NMC-metals and lithium. 114-. (canceled)15. A process for removal of aluminum and iron in the recycling of rechargeable batteries , said process comprising:providing a leachate from black mass,{'sub': 3', '4, 'adding phosphoric acid (HPO) to the provided leachate,'}{'sub': 4', '4, 'adjusting the pH to form iron phosphate (FePO) and aluminum phosphate (AlPO),'}{'sub': 4', '4, 'precipitating and removing the formed FePOand AlPO, and'}forming a filtrate for recovery of cathode metals.16. The process according to claim 15 , wherein the rechargeable batteries are rechargeable lithium ion batteries.17. The process according to claim 15 , wherein the precipitation is performed in two steps at different pH levels.18. The process according to claim 17 , wherein the pH in a first precipitation step is adjusted to an interval of pH 1.5 to 4.19. The process according to claim 18 , wherein the interval of pH is either: 1.5 to 3.5 or 1.5 to 3.20. The process according to claim 17 , wherein the pH claim 17 , in a second step claim 17 , is adjusted to an interval of pH 2.5 to 6.5.21. The process according to claim 20 , wherein the interval of pH is either: 2.5 to 6 or 2.5 to 4.22. The process according to claim 17 , wherein crystallization seeds are added to precipitate FePOand AlPOin the first precipitation step.23. The process according to claim 22 , wherein the crystallization seeds comprise aluminum and iron phosphate crystals and wherein said seeds are added in an amount of 0.05-0.3 g/L.24. The process according to claim 23 , wherein the amount of added seeds is either 0.05-0.2 g/L or 0.05-0.15 g/ ...

SCRAP MELTING IN ANODE FURNACE PROCESSES

Provided is a method for melting copper scrap and/or refining blister copper, comprising the steps of: (a) charging of copper scrap into an empty anode furnace and melting the copper scrap; (b) charging molten blister copper into the anode furnace; (c) optionally charging more copper scrap into the anode furnace and melting the copper scrap; (d) optionally repeating steps (b) and/or (c) one or more times until the anode furnace is full and a desired amount of copper scrap has been charged and melted until a final copper batch is obtained; and (e) refining the final copper batch to obtain anode copper. 1. A method of melting copper scrap and/or refining blister copper , comprising the steps of:(a) charging of copper scrap into an empty anode furnace and melting the copper scrap;(b) after performing step (a) charging molten blister copper into the anode furnace;(c) optionally charging more copper scrap into the anode furnace and melting the copper scrap(d) optionally repeating steps (b) and/or (c) one or more times until the anode furnace is full and a desired amount of copper scrap has been charged and melted until a final molten copper batch is obtained;(e) refining the final molten copper batch to obtain anode copper.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein melting of copper scrap is accomplished by providing additional heat energy to the anode furnace by using one or more mantle burners selected from pipe-in-a-pipe air-fuel claim 1 , air/oxy-fuel or oxy-fuel burner(s) located at a furnace mantle.3. The method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the use of the one or more mantle burners is combined with use of an end-wall burner for mixing combustion gases in the anode furnace.4. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least 15 wt % claim 1 , of the total weight of the final copper batch is copper scrap.5. The method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least 50 wt % claim 1 , of the weight of the total charged copper scrap in the final molten copper batch is ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ABOVE-ATMOSPHERIC LEACHING OF METAL SULFIDES

A system and method for improving leach kinetics and recovery during above-atmospheric leaching of a metal sulfide is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise the steps of: (a) producing a metal sulfide concentrate [ via flotation; (b) moving the produced metal sulfide concentrate [ to at least one chamber [] of at least one reactor such as an autoclave [ (c) leaching the produced metal sulfide concentrate in said at least one chamber [] in the presence of oxygen [ at a pressure and/or temperature above ambient, and in the presence of partially-used [ and/or or new [ grinding media within the at least one chamber []. Systems [ and apparatus [] for practicing the aforementioned method are also disclosed. 1. A method of leaching a metal sulfide , comprising:{'b': 34', '22', '20', '22, 'i': a', 'a, '(a) providing a metal sulfide concentrate [] to at least one chamber [] of at least one reactor []; the at least one chamber [] comprising grinding media therein;'}{'b': 22', '82', '22', '22', '34', '22, 'i': a', 'a', 'a', 'a, '(b) leaching the metal sulfide concentrate in said at least one chamber [] in the presence of oxygen [] at a pressure or temperature above ambient, and in the presence of the grinding media within the at least one chamber [], wherein the grinding media within the at least one chamber [] contacts the metal sulfide concentrate [] inside of the at least one chamber []; and,'}{'b': '34', '(d) oxidizing the metal sulfide within the metal sulfide concentrate [] to a metal sulfate.'}22592. The method of claim 1 , wherein the grinding media comprises partially-used [] or new [] grinding media.3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims claim 1 , wherein the at least one reactor comprises an autoclave.55225. The method of claim 4 , wherein the leached slurry [] comprises partially-used [] grinding media.69220. The method according to any one of the preceding claims claim 4 , further comprising the step of (e) introducing new ...

METHOD FOR RECOVERING METALS

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recovering metals from metalliferous starting materials comprising steps of 1. A method for recovering metals from metalliferous starting materials comprising steps ofi) leaching the metalliferous starting material in chloride-based leaching liquor,ii) withdrawing from the leaching step i) aqueous chloride solution with dissolved metals,iii) recovering metal value from the aqueous chloride solution in a metal recovery process step,iv) neutralizing hydrogen chloride content of the aqueous chloride solution in the metal recovery process step with adding hydrolyzed ammonia to the process solution so as to form ammonium chloride,v) withdrawing ammonium chloride containing process solution to an ammonium regeneration step where calcium-containing reagent is added to generate calcium chloride and ammonia gas and recycling ammonia back to the metal recovery process step iii),{'sub': 2', '2', '4, 'vi) regenerating the CaCl-solution with HSOso as to provide a aqueous HCl solution for recycling to the leaching step i).'}2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the starting material is selected from the group consisting of base metals such as nickel- and cobalt-containing laterite ores claim 1 , copper claim 1 , cobalt claim 1 , nickel metal-bearing raw materials claim 1 , oxidized metalliferous material containing for example nickel claim 1 , cobalt and copper claim 1 , nickelferous sulphide material containing at least one other metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt claim 1 , copper and iron claim 1 , NiS precipitate claim 1 , nickel matte claim 1 , aqueous metal sulphate-containing solution the metals being selected from the group consisting of cobalt claim 1 , copper claim 1 , nickel and iron claim 1 , nickel sulphide concentrate and mixtures thereof.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature in the leaching step is between 80° C. and the boiling point of the solution claim 1 , typically ...

PROCESS FOR SEPARATION OF AT LEAST ONE METAL SULFIDE FROM A MIXED SULFIDE ORE OR CONCENTRATE

A stabilization process for an arsenic solution comprising thiosulfates, the process comprising: acidifying the arsenic solution to decompose the thiosulfates, to yield an acidified solution; oxidizing the acidified solution to oxidize residual As to As and reduced sulfur species to sulfates, to yield a slurry comprising elemental sulfur; separating elemental sulfur from the slurry to yield a liquid; oxidizing the liquid to oxidize residual reduced sulfur species, to yield an oxidized solution; and forming a stable arsenic compound from the oxidized solution. 1. A stabilization process for an arsenic solution comprising thiosulfates , the process comprising:acidifying the arsenic solution to decompose the thiosulfates, to yield an acidified solution;{'sup': 3+', '5+, 'oxidizing the acidified solution to oxidize residual As to As and reduced sulfur species to sulfates, to yield a slurry comprising elemental sulfur;'}separating elemental sulfur from the slurry to yield a liquid;oxidizing the liquid to oxidize residual reduced sulfur species, to yield an oxidized solution; andforming a stable arsenic compound from the oxidized solution.2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising forming a stable arsenic compound from the oxidized solution claim 1 , at about atmospheric pressure.3. The process of claim 2 , wherein the stable arsenic compound comprises ferric arsenate.4. The process of claim 2 , wherein the stable arsenic compound is compliant with toxic characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) standards.5. The process of any one of claim 1 , wherein the arsenic solution is derived from a mixed sulfide concentrate claim 1 , the mixed sulfide concentrate having at least one sulfide comprising antimony claim 1 , arsenic and at least one metal.6. The process of claim 5 , wherein antimony and arsenic are present in the mixed sulfide concentrate in a molar ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1.7. The process of claim 6 , wherein antimony and arsenic are present in the mixed ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF A COPPER MELTING FURNACE

A method and system of controlling a melting process of copper in a copper melting furnace including measuring at least one furnace parameter, wherein the at least one furnace parameter includes one or both of a furnace temperature and a furnace exhaust oxygen concentration, calculating a first rate of change of the furnace parameter over a first time period, calculating a second rate of change of the furnace parameter over a second time period at least a portion of which occurs after the first time period, comparing the first rate of change with the second rate of change, and indicating substantial completion of a process phase in the furnace when the second rate of change deviates by a predetermined threshold percentage from the first rate of change. 1. A method of controlling a melting process of copper in a copper melting furnace , comprising:measuring at least one furnace parameter, wherein the at least one furnace parameter includes one or both of a furnace temperature and a furnace exhaust oxygen concentration;calculating a first rate of change of the furnace parameter over a first time period;calculating a second rate of change of the furnace parameter over a second time period at least a portion of which occurs after the first time period;comparing the first rate of change with the second rate of change; andindicating substantial completion of a process phase in the furnace when the second rate of change deviates by a predetermined threshold percentage from the first rate of change.2. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the process phase is an oxidation phase;wherein the at least one furnace parameter is the furnace temperature; andwherein the substantial completion of the oxidation phase is determined when the second rate of change is less positive than the first rate of change to indicate depletion of readily oxidizable components in the copper.3. The method of claim 1 ,wherein the process phase is an oxidation phase;wherein the at least one furnace parameter ...

MINERAL SEPARATION USING FUNCTIONALIZED FILTERS AND MEMBRANES

An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed. The apparatus may take the form of a filter, a conveyor belt or an impeller to be used in a processor to collect mineral particles in the slurry, or in a tailings pond to collect mineral particles in the tailings. The filter, conveyor belt or impeller has a collection area made of or coated with a synthetic material having a functional group, either anionic or cationic to attach to the mineral particles. Alternatively, the synthetic material has hydrophobic molecules to render the collection area hydrophobic. When the mineral particles in the slurry or tailings are combined with collector molecules, the mineral particles also become hydrophobic. The hydrophobic mineral particles are attracted to the hydrophobic collection area. The filter, conveyor belt and impeller may have a plurality of passage ways in order to increase the contacting surfaces. 1. An apparatus comprising:a collection area comprising collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture comprising water and valuable material, the valuable material comprising a plurality of mineral particles; anda synthetic material provided at least on the collection surfaces, the synthetic material comprises plurality of molecules comprising a functional group configured to attract the mineral particles to the collection surfaces.2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the functional group comprises a chemical functional group for bonding the mineral particles to the molecules.3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the functional group comprises an ion which is either anionic or cationic.4. The apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the functional group comprises one or more ions in carboxylic claim 3 , sulfates claim 3 , sulfonates claim 3 , xanthates claim 3 , dithiophosphates claim 3 , thionocarboamates claim 3 , thioureas claim 3 , xanthogens claim 3 , monothiophosphates claim 3 , hydroquinones and ...

SUSTAINABLE PROCESS FOR RECLAIMING PRECIOUS METALS AND BASE METALS FROM E-WASTE

Processes for recycling electronic components removed from printed wire boards, whereby precious metals and base metals are extracted from the electronic components using environmentally friendly compositions. At least gold, silver and copper ions can be extracted from the electronic components and reduced to their respective metals using the processes and compositions described herein. 130.-. (canceled)31. A method of removing more than one metal from e-waste , said method comprising:(a) contacting the e-waste with a first metal digestion composition to form a first extraction liquid and a first extraction solid, wherein the first metal digestion composition comprises at least one oxidizing agent and at least one complexing agent;(b) separating the first extraction solid from the first extraction liquid;(c) contacting the first extraction solid with a second metal digestion composition to form a second extraction liquid and a second extraction solid, wherein the second metal digestion composition comprises at least one oxidizing agent and at least one complexing agent;(d) separating the second extraction solid from the second extraction liquid, wherein the second extraction liquid comprises first metal ions; and(e) contacting the first extraction liquid with an additive to separate second metal ions from third metal ions,{'sub': 2', '2', '3', '5', '4', '2', '4', '4', '2', '4', '3', '4', '3', '4', '3', '4', '4', '4', '3', '4', '2', '2', '8', '4', '2', '2', '8', '3', '4', '3', '2', '2', '8', '3', '4', '2', '3', '4', '3', '3', '4', '3', '3', '4', '3', '3', '4', '4', '3', '4', '4', '3', '4', '2', '8', '3', '3', '2', '2', '2', '2', '3, 'wherein the at least one oxidizing agent comprises methanesulfonic acid (MSA), ethanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, cyclohexylaminosulfonic acid, n-propanesulfonic acid, n-butanesulfonic acid, or n-octanesulfonic acid, hydrogen peroxide (HO), FeCl(both hydrated and unhydrated), oxone (2KHSO.KHSO.KSO), ...

METHODS OF COPPER EXTRACTION

The hydrometallurgical copper extraction processes of the present teachings generally including two steps: a conditioning or activating step using low concentrations of ammonia and ammonium in an aqueous solution; and an acid leaching step. The processes of the present teachings can be performed at low temperature, for example, at ambient temperature, and at atmospheric pressure. 1. A method of extracting copper from a copper ore or a copper concentrate , the method comprising:contacting a copper ore or a copper concentrate with an aqueous solution comprising ammonia and ammonium in the presence of an oxygen gas-containing fluid to provide a solid activated copper ore or a solid activated copper concentrate, wherein the aqueous solution has a pH between about 8 to 9.5; andleaching the solid activated copper ore or the solid activated copper concentrate with an acid to provide a pregnant leaching solution.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising recovering copper from the pregnant leaching solution.3. (canceled)4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ammonium is derived from one or more of ammonium carbonate claim 1 , ammonium chloride claim 1 , ammonium hydroxide claim 1 , ammonium nitrate claim 1 , and ammonium sulfate.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ammonia is derived in situ from the ammonium.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the contacting step is carried out at atmospheric pressure.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature ranging from ambient temperature to about 90° C.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the oxygen gas-containing fluid comprises air.9. (canceled)10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the copper ore or cooper concentrate comprises chalcopyrite.1120.-. (canceled) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/009,017, filed on Jun. 6, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.The present teachings relate to copper ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING METAL RECOVERY SYSTEMS

Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator. 1. A leaching solution monitoring module comprising:a first leaching solution distribution system interface;a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface;a 3-way pressure regulator comprising a 3-way valve in communication with the flow meter; anda second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator.2. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 1 , wherein the flow meter is a differential pressure flow meter.3. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 2 , wherein the 3-way pressure regulator is a pressure sustaining valve.4. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 3 , wherein the first leaching solution distribution system interface is configured to fluidly couple the leaching solution monitoring module to a leaching solution distribution system.5. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 2 , further comprising a first pipe section in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface.6. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 5 , further comprising a second pipe section in fluid communication with the second leaching solution distribution system interface.7. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 1 , wherein the 3-way pressure regulator comprises a pressure adjustment control feature.8. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure transmitter.9. The leaching solution monitoring module of claim 8 , wherein the pressure ...

Recovering valuable material from an ore

A method of recovering gold and copper from a sulfide ore includes (a) removing valuable fines from a product stream from a comminution circuit, such as a crushing and milling circuit, for run of mine ore and producing a valuable fines concentrate stream and (b) processing the remaining comminution product stream after valuable fines removal and producing a valuable coarse concentrate stream.

Ultrasonic Probes With Gas Outlets for Degassing of Molten Metals

Ultrasonic probes containing a plurality of gas delivery channels are disclosed, as well as ultrasonic probes containing recessed areas near the tip of the probe. Ultrasonic devices containing these probes, and methods for molten metal degassing using these ultrasonic devices, also are disclosed. 1. An ultrasonic device comprising:an ultrasonic transducer;an ultrasonic probe attached to the transducer, the probe comprising a tip and two or more gas delivery channels extending through the probe; and a gas inlet,', 'gas flow paths through the gas delivery channels, and', 'gas outlets at or near the tip of the probe., 'a gas delivery system, the gas delivery system comprising2. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises stainless steel claim 1 , titanium claim 1 , niobium claim 1 , a ceramic claim 1 , or a combination thereof.3. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises a Sialon claim 1 , a Silicon carbide claim 1 , a Boron carbide claim 1 , a Boron nitride claim 1 , a Silicon nitride claim 1 , an Aluminum nitride claim 1 , an Aluminum oxide claim 1 , a Zirconia claim 1 , or a combination thereof.4. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein:the probe comprises a Sialon;the probe comprises from three to five gas delivery channels; andthe gas outlets are at the tip of the probe.5. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the probe is a generally cylindrical elongated probe claim 1 , and a length to diameter ratio of the elongated probe is in a range from about 5:1 to about 25:1.6. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the probe is a generally cylindrical elongated probe claim 1 , and a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the tip of the elongated probe to the cross-sectional area of the gas delivery channels is in a range from about 30:1 to about 1000:1.7. The ultrasonic device of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic device further comprises a booster between the transducer and the probe claim 1 , and the gas inlet is in the ...

Leaching Copper-Containing Ores

A method of leaching copper-containing ores, such as chalcopyrite ores, with a leach liquor in the presence of silver and an activation agent that activates silver whereby the silver enhances copper extraction from copper ores. 1. A method of leaching copper-containing ores or concentrates of copper-containing ores with a leach liquor in the presence of silver and an activation agent that activates silver whereby the silver enhances copper extraction from copper ores.2. The method defined in includes any one of heap or vat or tank leaching ore fragments claim 1 , heap or vat or tank leaching agglomerates of ore fragments claim 1 , heap or vat or tank leaching ore concentrates claim 1 , and heap or vat or tank leaching agglomerates of ore concentrates.3. The method defined in wherein the activation agent is any one or more than one silver-complexing ligands such as chlorides claim 1 , iodides claim 1 , bromides claim 1 , and thiourea.4. The method defined in includes providing a selected concentration or concentration range of the activation agent in the leach liquor.5. The method defined in wherein the selected concentration or concentration range of the activation agent in the leach liquor results from any one or more of the following positive steps:(a) addition of the activation agent to the leach liquor;(b) removal of the activation agent from the leach liquor;(c) addition of the activation agent in an agglomeration step;(d) mixing different ore types having regard to the activation agent in the ores;(e) selection and mixing/blending of water source/type regard to the activation agent in the ores; and(f) other human-intervention into one or more inputs to the method of leaching that can affect the activation agent concentrations in the method of leaching.6. The method defined in wherein the selected concentration or concentration range of the activation agent is different to background concentrations of the activation agent in the leach liquor claim 4 , the ore ...

METHOD FOR BIOLEACHING A METAL PRESENT IN A MATERIAL

The invention relates to a method for recovering at least one metal present within a material, said material possibly including iron, said method including a step of supplying a ferrous ion, a step of supplying a ferric ion, and a step of bioleaching at least one metal present in the material by the ferric ions, each one of the steps being implemented by a particular bacterial population. 2. The process as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said step of bioleaching said at least one metal is reiterated when the amount of said at least one metal in the material after a bioleaching step is greater than 20% of the initial amount of said at least one metal within the material claim 1 , and more preferentially greater than 50%.3. The process as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the process also comprises at least one of the following steps:extraction of at least one substance present in said material and inhibiting a bioleaching bacterial activity and/or an iron-oxidizing bacterial activity, said step being carried out before the step of supplying a ferrous ion,acidification of the material by supplying an acid solution such that the material is in a solution of which the pH is stabilized between 0.5 and 3.0.4. The process as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that a step of embedding a bacterial population in a cell embedding matrix is present and in that the embedding step comprises the steps of:supplying a liquid embedding medium,supplying a cell embedding matrix compound in the embedding medium according to a weight-to-volume ratio between the embedding matrix compound and the embedding medium of between 5 g/l and 400 g/l,supplying an inoculum of the bacterial population in the embedding medium,forming a cell embedding matrix comprising the bacterial population.5. The process as claimed in claim 4 , characterized in that the cell embedding matrix compound is selected from the group of water-soluble natural or synthetic polymers which can form ...

CHELATING POLYMERIC MEMBRANES

The present application offers a solution to the current problems associated with recovery and recycling of precious metals from scrap material, discard articles, and other items comprising one or more precious metals. The solution is premised on a microporous chelating polymeric membrane. Embodiments include, but are not limited to, microporous chelating polymeric membranes, device comprising the membranes, and methods of using and making the same. 2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising dissolving a polymer in a solvent system and forming the polymeric body with the polymer claim 1 , wherein the solvent system and the non-solvent system are miscible.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the solvent system comprises dimethyl sulfoxide claim 2 , 1 claim 2 ,4 dioxane claim 2 , or both.4. (canceled)5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-solvent system comprises water.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-solvent system comprises a non-solvent and a solvent.78.-. (canceled)9. The method of claim 1 , wherein R comprises an alkanediyl claim 1 , oxy-alkanediyl claim 1 , diphenylmethane claim 1 , or phenylene.1014.-. (canceled)1619.-. (canceled)21. The method of claim 20 , further comprising contacting a recovery solution with the microporous polymeric body to desorb the metal ions from the microporous polymeric body.22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the recovery solution comprises thiourea and sulfuric acid.23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the microporous polymeric body is contacted with the metal ion-containing solution after contact with the recovery solution.24. The method of claim 20 , wherein the metal-ion containing solution comprises a first metal ion and a second metal ion and wherein the microporous polymeric body selectively absorbs the first metal ion.25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the first metal ion is gold.26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the second metal ion is copper.27. The method of claim 20 , wherein a flux of at least 100 L ...

TREATMENT PROCESS FOR EXTRACTION OF PRECIOUS, BASE AND RARE ELEMENTS

This invention describes a hydrometallurgical process for the recovery and separation of valuable elements, in particular gold and silver, from a feed material comprising a refractory, intractable or otherwise poorly responding to conventional treatment routes ores, concentrates and other materials. In particular, the process is a process integrated into one or more existing value element extraction processes. 1. A hydrometallurgical process for extracting gold or silver or both and optionally one or more elements comprised of platinum group metals (PGMs) , base elements , rare metals and/or rare elements , from a feed material comprising one or more refractory or intractable materials , the process comprising the steps of:(i) providing the feed material to a reaction vessel; (a) hot sulfuric acid leaching under pressure and/or atmospheric conditions to produce a product slurry comprising saleable metal sulfates in solution and a solid residue containing saleable metals;', '(b) optionally, conditioning the slurry from a) in sulfuric acid at a concentration of from about 25-300 g/L, or in an alkali at a pH value of from about 10-14.', '(c) optionally heating the solid residue from a) or b) at from about 300-700° C. or about 700-1000° C. under oxidizing and/or reducing conditions;', '(d) chloride leaching the feed material, or the solid residue from step (a) or (b) or (c) in a chloride leaching medium to produce soluble saleable metals in a chloride pregnant leach solution (PLS);', '(e) subjecting the chloride PLS from step (d) to one or more techniques comprising: ion exchange (IX), chelating, molecular recognition technology (MRT), addition of polymeric or other sorbents, solvent extraction, precipitation using hydroxides, ammonia, carbonates or sulfides, electrowinning, and/or reduction to produce one or more intermediate solid or solution products for the recovery of gold and silver, as well as minor associated PGMs and other valuable base or rare metals in the ...

IMPROVED COPPER PRODUCTION PROCESS

A process for a producing crude solder product and a copper product includes the steps of 1. A process for the production of a crude solder product and a copper product comprising the step ofa) providing a black copper composition comprising at least 50% wt of copper together with at least 1.0% wt of tin and/or at least 1.0% wt of lead,the process further comprising the steps of(i) refining a first portion of the black copper composition obtained from step a) to obtain a refined copper product together with at least one copper refining slag,(ii) recovering a first crude solder metal composition, as a first crude solder product, from the at least one copper refining slag, thereby forming a second solder refining slag in equilibrium with the first crude solder metal composition,the process further comprises the step off) contacting a second portion of the black copper composition from step a), different from the first portion, with the second solder refining slag thereby forming a second spent slag and a second lead-tin based metal composition, followed by separating the second spent slag from the second lead-tin based metal composition.23-. (canceled)4. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising the steps of(iii) recovering a second crude solder metal composition, different from the first crude solder metal composition, as a second crude solder product, from the at least one copper refining slag, thereby forming a fifth solder refining slag in equilibrium with the second crude solder metal composition, ando) contacting a third portion of the black copper composition obtained from step a), different from the first portion and from the second portion, with the fifth solder refining slag, thereby forming a third spent slag and a third lead-tin based metal composition, followed by separating the third spent slag from the third lead-tin based metal composition.522-. (canceled)23. The process according to claim 1 , wherein step (i) comprises the step ofb) ...

FIRE REFINING OF BLISTER COPPER

Provided herein is a process of fire refining blister copper, comprising the steps of (a) providing molten blister copper into an anode furnace; (b) when sulfur concentration of the molten blister copper provided in step (a) is above a first prescribed target value, oxidizing sulfur in the molten blister copper by blowing oxygen containing gas into the molten blister copper until the first prescribed target value has been reached; (c) subsequently lowering the sulfur and oxygen content in blister copper by blowing inert gas into the molten blister copper until a second prescribed target value has been reached, wherein the inert phase (c) is continued until the second prescribed target value of the oxygen concentration is below 4000 ppm, and the second prescribed target value of the sulfur concentration is below 500 ppm; (d) when certain condition(s) occur, subsequently reducing oxygen in the blister copper; and (e) optionally casting. 113-. (canceled)14. A process of fire refining blister copper , comprising the steps of:(a) providing molten blister copper into an anode furnace;(b) oxidizing sulfur in the molten blister copper by blowing oxygen containing gas into the molten blister copper until a first prescribed target value has been reached;(c) subsequently discontinuing blowing of the oxygen containing gas and lowering the sulfur and oxygen content in blister copper by blowing inert gas into the molten blister copper until a second prescribed target value has been reached, wherein the inert phase (c) is continued until the second prescribed target value of the oxygen concentration is below 4000 ppm, and the second prescribed target value of the sulfur concentration is below 500 ppm;(d) subsequently discontinuing blowing of the inert gas and reducing oxygen in the blister copper by supplying a reducing agent into the molten blister copper until a third prescribed target value has been reached and anode copper is obtained; and(e) optionally casting the obtained ...

PROCESS AND ITS PRODUCTS FOR SPENT LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES TREATMENT

This invention discloses a process and its products for spent lithium-ion batteries treatment, which relates to the field of spent battery treatment technology. This process comprises: fully discharging spent lithium-ion batteries to obtain discharged spent lithium-ion batteries; crushing spent lithium-ion batteries to obtain crushed products of spent lithium-ion batteries; screening crushed products of spent lithium-ion batteries by screens to obtain an overflow and an underflow; sorting the overflow to obtain separator products, plastic products, iron products, copper foil products and aluminum foil products; mechanochemically activating the underflow to obtain activated products; acid leaching the activated products by degradable organic acid to obtain a mixture containing activated products and the organic acid leaching solution; filtering the mixture which contains the activated products and the organic acid leaching solution to obtain graphite as filter residues. Copper mud products and LiNiCoAlOcan be obtained after further treatments. This process can effectively recover recyclable resources in spent lithium-ion batteries, and reduce pollution of heavy metals. 1. A process of spent lithium-ion batteries treatment , wherein features comprise:fully discharging spent lithium-ion batteries to obtain discharged spent lithium-ion batteries;crushing said spent lithium-ion batteries to obtain said crushed products of spent lithium-ion batteries;screening said crushed products of spent lithium-ion batteries by screens to obtain an overflow and an underflow;sorting said overflow to obtain separator products, plastic products, iron products, copper foil products and aluminum foil products;mechanochemically activating said underflow to obtain activated products;acid leaching said activated products by degradable organic acid to obtain a mixture containing activated products and the organic acid leaching solution;filtering the mixture which contains the activated ...

COLLECTOR COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USING SAME IN MINERAL FLOTATION PROCESSES

Collector compositions C for mineral flotation, which include at least one of a hydroxamic acid A, and/or a salt S of a hydroxamic acid A solubilized in a water-soluble organic solvent L, and processes for using same for recovering sulfide and/or oxide minerals in mineral flotation processes are provided herewith. 1. A collector composition C for mineral flotationcomprising a water-soluble organic solvent L and at least one of a hydroxamic acid A , or a salt S of a hydroxamic acid A , dissolved in the solvent L , wherein a solvent is considered water-soluble if it forms single-phase mixtures with water for compositions ranging from a mass fraction of solvent L in the mixture with water of from 0.04 up to 1 in a temperature range of from 15° C. to 80° C.2. The collector composition C of wherein the solvent L is selected from the group consisting of alkylene glycols claim 1 , aliphatic alcohols having from one to four carbon atoms claim 1 , benzyl alcohol claim 1 , polyhydric aliphatic alcohols having two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule claim 1 , aliphatic sulfoxides claim 1 , aliphatic sulfones claim 1 , glycol ethers claim 1 , aliphatic and aromatic amines claim 1 , aliphatic and cycloaliphatic amides claim 1 , cycloaliphatic esters claim 1 , aliphatic hydroxyesters; and mixtures thereof.3. The collector composition C of claim 2 , wherein the alkylene glycol or polyhydric aliphatic alcohol having two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule is selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol; 1 claim 2 ,2-propanediol; 1 claim 2 ,3-propanediol; 1 claim 2 ,2-butanediol; 1 claim 2 ,3-butanediol; 1 claim 2 ,4-butanediol; 2 claim 2 ,3-butanediol; 1 claim 2 ,2-pentanediol; 1 claim 2 ,5-pentanediol; glycerol; and mixtures thereof.4. The collector composition C of claim 2 , wherein the aliphatic alcohol is selected from the group consisting of ethanol; n-propanol; 2-propanol; isobutyl alcohol; n-butanol;amyl alcohol; and mixtures thereof.5. The collector composition C ...

PURIFICATION OF COPPER CONCENTRATE BY REMOVAL OF ARSENIC AND ANTIMONY WITH CONCOMITANT REGENERATION AND RECYCLE OF LIXIVIANT

A hydrometallurgical process for the removal of arsenic and antimony from a so-called “dirty” copper concentrate () is described. The process comprises the following steps: Step 1: repulping () the “dirty” copper concentrate with an alkaline lixiviant (), and subjecting the “dirty” copper concentrate to an alkaline leaching process (“the Leach”) in a Leach reactor (). The arsenic and antimony are dissolved in the Leach to produce a “clean” copper concentrate () and leach discharge liquor (). Step 2: subjecting the Leach discharge liquor () to a lime treatment step () in order to regenerate () the alkaline lixiviant as well as precipitate an impurity rich precipitate () containing arsenic and antimony. Then the impurity rich precipitate () is separated () from the regenerated alkaline lixiviant (). The impurity rich precipitate is washed and disposed of in an environmentally safe condition. Step 3: recycling the regenerated alkaline lixiviant () to the Leach in Step 1, and so employing the recycled alkaline lixiviant () in the further extraction of arsenic and antimony from incoming “dirty” copper concentrate (). 1. A hydrometallurgical process for the removal of arsenic and antimony from a “dirty” copper concentrate which may also contain comprising precious metals , the process comprising the steps of:Step 1: repulping the “dirty” copper concentrate with an alkaline lixiviant, and subjecting the “dirty” copper concentrate containing arsenic and antimony to an alkaline leaching process, hereafter termed “the Leach”, and so dissolving the arsenic and antimony, to produce an arsenic depleted concentrate and a Leach discharge liquor;Step 2: subjecting the Leach discharge liquor to a partial oxidation and lime treatment step in order to regenerate the alkaline lixiviant as well as precipitation of a low-sodium, impurity rich precipitate containing arsenic and antimony, and then separating the impurity rich precipitate from the regenerated alkaline lixiviant, and washing ...

System and Method for Charging a Furnace for Melting and Refining Copper Scrap, and Furnace Thereof

System and method for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap, comprising at least one shredder intended to receive copper scrap to be refined, associated with screening means linked to at least one vibrating feeder table through continuous conveyance means, such that said vibrating feeder table allows shredded copper scrap to be put into the furnace. A furnace is also described which is suitable for receiving a volume of copper scrap from the above charging system and method, characterized by a flat vault with a horizontal charging door, whose opening width for receiving the charge of shredded scrap is less than 0.6 m. The system, method and furnace described make it possible to optimize the process of melting and refining copper scrap, as well as reduce the consumption of energy and the emission of polluting gases. 1. A system for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap , comprising at least one shredder intended to receive copper scrap to be refined , associated in turn with a screen intended to receive copper scrap that that has been shredded by said shredder , wherein said screen is linked to at least one vibrating feeder table through a continuous conveyor , wherein said vibrating feeder table is configured so as to allow shredded copper scrap to be put into the furnace.2. The system for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap according to claim 1 , wherein the screen comprises a screening drum and/or a device for separating by vibration.3. The system for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap according to claim 1 , wherein the continuous conveyor has a conveyor belt.4. The system for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap according to claim 1 , wherein said shredder is of the cutter mill type.542. The system for charging a furnace for melting and refining copper scrap according to claim 1 , wherein it has at least one secondary-gas extraction unit claim 1 , comprising an ...

BIOLEACHING METHOD AND FACILITY

A method for the lagoon-based bioleaching of a metallic ore, wherein the temperature of the suspension containing the metallic ore to be bioleached, a bioleaching consortium and a nutritive substrate of the microorganisms of the consortium is controlled by regulating the flows and the composition of a gas containing oxygen and optionally also CO2 injected into the suspension, the temperature of the suspension being controlled such that it can be maintained within a pre-determined range suitable for bioleaching. 115-. (canceled)16. Method for bioleaching of a metalliferous ore , said method comprising the following steps:a) adding, into a basin, a ground metalliferous ore, a medium comprising a bioleaching microbial consortium, and a nutritive medium for the microorganisms of the microbial consortium,b) obtaining a suspension in the basin via at least one stirring system for placing and maintaining the metalliferous ore in suspension in a liquid phase,c) injecting, into the suspension, a gas containing oxygen and optionally carbon dioxide,d) in the suspension, bioleaching of the metalliferous ore by the microbial consortium in order to obtain a released metal,e) recovering a liquid product containing the released metal and consisting of (a) a liquor and (b) a solid residue,wherein the temperature of the suspension is controlled by regulating the flow rates and the composition of the gas injected, as well as optionally the concentration of solids in the suspension, the temperature of the suspension being controlled in such a way as to be maintained in a predetermined range suitable for bioleaching.17. Method according to claim 16 , wherein the basin is an open-air basin.18. Method according to claim 16 , wherein the gas injected has an Oconcentration of at least 21% vol O claim 16 , preferably at least 40% vol and more preferably 50% vol to 100% vol claim 16 , and optionally a COconcentration from 0% vol to 5% vol claim 16 , preferably from 1% vol to 3% vol. ...

ACID BALANCE IN A CHLORIDE HEAP LEACH

A method of controlling the acid balance in a high chloride heap leach process tomaximise the copper dissolution in a cure step and to increase overall copper recovery which include an agglomeration stage in which acid and process solutions are combined with the ore prior to stacking to form a heap followed by a cure phase to leach a portion of the copper in the ore in the heap followed by an irrigated leach phase in which the remaining copper minerals are leached and copper is recovered from a pregnant leach solution by a solvent extraction step followed by an electrowinning step wherein the acid concentration in the pregnant leach solution which reports to the solvent extraction step is less than 10 g/L to allow effective copper recovery from the pregnant leach solution in the solvent extraction step. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. The method according to claim 4 , where overall copper dissolution in the aerated claim 4 , but non-irrigated claim 4 , cure phase and in the irrigated leach phase is greater than 40%.4. A method of controlling acid balance in a high chloride heap leach process carried out at ambient temperature claim 4 , wherein a chloride concentration is between 100 g/L and 180 g/L to ensure that copper dissolution in an agglomeration stage is not limited by acid to maximize the copper dissolution in a cure phase and thereby increase an overall copper recovery claim 4 , wherein the method comprises:an agglomeration stage in which acid and process solutions are combined with an ore prior to stacking to form a heap;an aerated, but non-irrigated, cure phase to leach a portion of copper in the ore in the heap, wherein the copper dissolution in the aerated, but non-irrigated, cure phase is at least 30%; andan irrigated leach phase during which remaining copper minerals are leached and copper is recovered from a pregnant leach solution by a solvent extraction process followed by an electrowinning process, andwherein the heap comprises a plurality of heap ...

RECOVERY OF PRECIOUS AND CHALCOPHILE METALS

A process for recovery of one or more elements, selected from precious metals and chalcophile metals, as herein defined, from materials containing precious and/or chalcophile metal/s, said process including: (i) contacting the material with an alkaline solution containing a lixiviant comprising an amino acid, or derivative thereof, and an alkali stable transition metal complex in order to form a leachate containing the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal; and (ii) recovering the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal from the leachate. 1. A process for recovery of one or more elements , selected from precious metals and chalcophile metals , as herein defined , from materials containing precious and/or chalcophile metal/s , said process including:(i) contacting the material with an alkaline solution containing a lixiviant comprising an amino acid, or derivative thereof, and an alkali stable transition metal complex in order to form a leachate containing the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal; and(ii) recovering the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal from the leachate wherein the amino acid concentration is greater than 0.05 g/L and the concentration of alkali stable transition metal complex is a minimum of 0.05 g/L.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein the amino acid concentration is less than 250 g/L.3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the amino acid concentration is greater than 0.1 g/L.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the amino acid concentration is less than 30 g/L.5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the alkali stable transition metal complex is an iron complex or a manganese complex.6. The process of claim 1 , wherein the pH of the leaching solution is at least 7.7. The process of claim 1 , wherein the pH of the leaching solution is at least 8.8. The process of claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the leaching process is between −5 and 90 degrees Celsius.9. The process of claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the leaching process is ambient ...

A PROCESS FOR COPPER AND/OR PRECIOUS METAL RECOVERY

A process for recovery of metal comprising copper and/or a precious metal from a metal containing material, including the steps of: leaching the metal containing material with an alkaline lixiviant and an amino acid or derivative thereof in order to produce a metal containing leachate; and extracting the metal from the leachate. 130-. (canceled)31. A process for recovery of metal comprising copper and/or a precious metal from a metal containing material , including the steps of:leaching the metal containing material with an alkaline lixiviant and an amino acid or derivative thereof in order to produce a metal containing leachate; andextracting the metal from the leachate.32. The process of claim 31 , wherein the metal comprises a precious metal and the leaching step comprises leaching a precious metal containing material with an alkaline leachant containing an oxidant and an amino acid or derivative thereof at an elevated temperature in order to produce a precious metal containing leachate.33. The process of claim 32 , wherein the oxidant is oxygen-containing claim 32 , such as a peroxide claim 32 , manganese dioxide claim 32 , or an oxygen containing gas.34. The process of claim 33 , wherein the oxidant is hydrogen peroxide and the amount of hydrogen peroxide in solution is at least 0.005 wt % claim 33 , such as 0.5 wt % or greater and is preferably a maximum of 5 wt % claim 33 , such as a maximum of 1%.35. The process of claim 33 , wherein the leachant further includes a leaching catalyst comprising cupric (copper(II)) species claim 33 , which is preferably present in a concentration of at least 1 mM and more preferably up to 10 mM.36. The process of claim 31 , wherein the leaching is conducted at ambient temperature.37. The process of claim 32 , wherein the elevated temperature is at least 30° C. claim 32 , such as at least 40° C.38. The process of claim 31 , wherein the material comprises ores claim 31 , concentrates or tailings.39. The process of claim 31 , ...

Process for Recovering Precious Metals from Clay-Containing Ores

A solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore and a method of leaching ore is described. The solution comprises a cyanide; a wetting agent; and a clay stabilizing polymer. 1. A solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore comprising:cyanide;a wetting agent; anda clay stabilizing polymer.2. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of gold claim 1 , silver claim 1 , copper and uranium.3. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of with a pH of at least 8 to no more than 11.4. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of with a pH of at least 9.5 to no more than 10.5.5. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of comprising at least 50 ppm cyanide to no more than 1000 ppm cyanide.6. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of comprising at least 200 ppm cyanide to no more than 800 ppm cyanide.7. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of wherein said clay stabilizing polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene oxide copolymer; propoxylated glycols; polyamine copolymers comprising dicyandiamide claim 1 , formaldehyde and ammonia; polyvinyl alcohol; partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate; polyacrylamide; quaternary amines and particularly tetramethylammonium salts; carboxymethyl cellulose; methacrylate copolymers; hydroxyaldehydes; hydroxyketones; and copolymers of anionic or cationic monomers.8. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of wherein said clay stabilizing polymer is selected from the group consisting ofa polyalkylene oxide copolymer, a propoxylated glycol and a polyamine copolymer.9. The solution for leaching metals from clay containing ore of wherein said polyalkylene oxide copolymer is defined by:{'br': None, 'sup': 1', '2', '3', '4', '5, 'R—R—R—R—R'}wherein:{'sup': 1', '5', '6', '6, 'Rand Rare terminal groups independently selected from the ...

Ultrasonic Probes with Gas Outlets for Degassing of Molten Metals

Ultrasonic probes containing a plurality of gas delivery channels are disclosed, as well as ultrasonic probes containing recessed areas near the tip of the probe. Ultrasonic devices containing these probes, and methods for molten metal degassing using these ultrasonic devices, also are disclosed. 125-. (canceled)26. An ultrasonic device comprising:an ultrasonic transducer;an ultrasonic probe attached to the transducer, the probe comprising a tip and two or more gas delivery channels extending through the probe; and a gas inlet,', 'gas flow paths through the gas delivery channels, and', 'gas outlets at or within about 2 cm of the tip of the probe;, 'a gas delivery system, the gas delivery system comprisingwherein the probe comprises a ceramic.27. The ultrasonic device of claim 26 , wherein the gas outlets are at or within about 1 cm of the tip of the probe.28. The ultrasonic device of claim 26 , wherein the gas outlets are at the tip of the probe.29. The ultrasonic device of claim 26 , wherein the probe comprises a Sialon claim 26 , a Silicon carbide claim 26 , a Boron carbide claim 26 , a Boron nitride claim 26 , a Silicon nitride claim 26 , an Aluminum nitride claim 26 , an Aluminum oxide claim 26 , a Zirconia claim 26 , or a combination thereof.30. The ultrasonic device of claim 26 , wherein the probe comprises a Sialon.31. The ultrasonic device of claim 30 , wherein a length to diameter ratio of the probe is in a range from about 5:1 to about 25:1.32. The ultrasonic device of claim 30 , wherein the probe comprises from two to eight gas delivery channels.33. The ultrasonic device of claim 30 , wherein a ratio of the cross-sectional area of the tip of the probe to the cross-sectional area of the gas delivery channels is in a range from about 30:1 to about 1000:1.34. The ultrasonic device of claim 26 , further comprising a booster between the transducer and the probe.35. A method for reducing an amount of a dissolved gas and/or an impurity in a molten metal bath ...

POLYMER SUPPORT AND METHOD OF LEACHING OF MINERAL CONCENTRATES

In one embodiment, the invention provides a support for mineral concentrates, the support comprising non-porous polymeric particles between 3 and 20 mm having a specific gravity less than 1, wherein the support is stable in highly corrosive environments, including strong acidic solutions, is resistant to abrasion, and is non-deformable at temperatures up to 100° C. 1. A support for mineral concentrates , the support comprising non-porous polymeric particles between 3 and 20 mm having a specific gravity less than 1 , wherein the support is stable in highly corrosive environments , including strong acidic solutions , is resistant to abrasion , and is non-deformable at temperatures up to 100° C.2. A support according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric particles include polypropylene (PP).3. A support according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric particles have rounded edges and have a shape selected from a group consisting of: lenticular claim 1 , cylindrical claim 1 , discoidal claim 1 , conclave claim 1 , convex claim 1 , and spherical.4. A leaching method comprising:a. adhering mineral concentrates to a support forming agglomerates;b. transporting the agglomerates to a processing site;c. loading the agglomerates to a packed bed reactor or forming a heap;d. leaching the mineral concentrate through the use of chemical and biological agents contained in an acidic solution supplied by irrigation;e. recovering the loaded solution or “PLS” that percolated in the reactor or heap for its subsequent treatment;f. recovering solid residuals of the reactor or heap; andg. separating the residual solids, unleached mineral concentrates, and any formed precipitates, so as to leave the support clean and in condition to be reused.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:reusing the support in a new process cycle.6. The method of claim 4 , further comprising:supplying forced air to the reactor or heap in a counter-current direction to the irrigation solution.7. The method of claim ...

Method for synthesizing nanowires and nanofoam

A method for making a plurality of metallic nanowires includes combining a metallic precursor with a solvent to form a metallic precursor solution. A quantity of oxalic acid is added to the metallic precursor solution to form a reduction solution. A plurality of nanowires are precipitated out from the reduction solution.

A PROCESS FOR REDUCING THE CONTENT OF OXYGEN IN METALLIC COPPER

The content of oxygen in molten metallic copper is reduced during the copper refining process by adding pure carbon monoxide, produced by electrolysis of carbon dioxide in a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), thereby removing oxygen through the reduction of CuO to Cu. This way, the purity of the metallic copper is increased. 1. A process for reducing the content of oxygen , present as copper oxide , in molten metallic copper , which is obtained in a manner known per se and subjected to a copper refining process , {'br': None, 'sub': '2', 'CuO+CO->Cu+CO'}, 'wherein carbon monoxide produced from carbon dioxide in a solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stack is added during the refining process to remove the oxygen according to the equation'}thereby increasing the purity of the metallic copper.2. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack is compressed and added to the copper melt through an injection system that disperses the reducing gas in small bubbles throughout the copper melt to maximize the gas/solid contact surface.3. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack is purified to above 99% pure carbon monoxide and mixed with nitrogen prior to injection into the copper melt.4. Process according to claim 1 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack comprises at least 10% CO claim 1 , the remaining part being COor an inert gas.5. Process according to claim 4 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack comprises at least 20% CO claim 4 , the remaining part being COor an inert gas.6. Process according to claim 5 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack comprises at least 30% CO claim 5 , the remaining part being COor an inert gas.7. Process according to claim 6 , wherein the gas from the SOEC stack comprises at least 40% CO claim 6 , the remaining part being COor an inert gas. The present invention relates to a process for reducing the content of oxygen in metallic copper. More specifically, the invention deals with reducing the ...

MINERAL SEPARATION USING SIZED-, WEIGHT- OR MAGNETIC-BASED POLYMER BUBBLES OR BEADS

Apparatus for use in, or forming part of, a separation process to be implemented in separation processor technology, the apparatus comprising synthetic bubbles or beads configured with a polymer or polymer-based material functionalized to attach to a valuable material in a mixture so as to form an enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on a difference in a physical property between the enriched synthetic bubbles or beads having the valuable material attached thereto and the mixture. 131-. (canceled)32. Apparatus for use in , or forming part of , a separation process to be implemented in separation processor technology , the apparatus comprising:synthetic beads, each synthetic bead having body made of a synthetic material, the synthetic material comprising a polymer or polymer-based material, the body having a surface configured with a hydrophobic silicone polymer different from said synthetic material, said synthetic beads functionalized to attach to a valuable material in a mixture having water so as to form an enriched synthetic beads having the valuable material attached thereto, and also configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on a difference in a physical property between the enriched synthetic beads having the valuable material attached thereto and the mixture, wherein the valuable material comprises mineral particles.33. Apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein the synthetic beads are configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on the difference between the size of the enriched synthetic beads having the valuable material attached thereto in relation to the size of unwanted material in the mixture.34. Apparatus according to claim 32 , wherein the synthetic beads are configured to be separated from the mixture based at least partly on the difference between the weight of the enriched synthetic ...

REDUCED ACID LEACHING AND RESIN IN LEACH EXTRACTION FROM ACID CONSUMING COPPER ORES

The invention provides processes that significantly reduce acid consumption while maintaining efficient leach recovery of copper from oxide and acid consuming ores. The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process that reduces acid required for leaching in the presence of a solid ion exchange media. The presence of the ion exchanger leads to copper extraction from solution into the ion exchange phase, the removal of the copper from solution shifts the dissolved copper equilibrium, enabling additional copper dissolution at weak acidities where normally the leaching equilibrium would be hindered. In select embodiments, the process is not reliant on an external neutralising agent to control pH but rather on the acid consuming characteristic of the ore being processed and a limit to the amount of acid added. At the pH at which the leach is controlled, iron (if present) is predominantly present as the ferrous ion, which has a lower affinity for the resin than copper. 1. A process for extracting copper from a comminuted acid consuming copper ore , comprising:adding a mineral acid to the comminuted copper ore in the presence of an ion exchange medium, to reach a target leaching-and-resin-loading pH greater than pH 1 in a resin-in-leach leaching solution, wherein at the target leaching-and-resin-loading pH, copper ions leached from the ore are bound with high affinity by the ion exchange media;maintaining leaching conditions in the resin-in-leach leaching solution for a leaching time period, adding mineral acid so as to maintain the leaching-and-resin-loading pH, so that the ion exchange media is loaded with copper ions leached from the ore, to provide a copper-loaded ion exchange media in a barren resin-in-leach solution;separating the copper-loaded ion exchange media from the barren resin-in-leach solution;eluting copper from the copper-loaded ion exchange media to provide a regenerated ion exchange media and a copper bearing eluate;recycling the regenerated ion ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RELEASING MINERAL FROM SYNTHETIC BUBBLES AND BEADS

A synthetic bead for use in mineral separation is described. The synthetic bead has a surface made of a synthetic material such as polymer and the synthetic material is functionalized with molecules having a functional group for attaching mineral particles to the surface in a separation process. The synthetic beads can be placed in flotation cell containing a mixture of water, valuable material and unwanted material or in a pipeline where the mixture is transported from one location to another. The enriched synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are separated from the unwanted materials in the mixture. The mineral particles are then released from the synthetic beads by means of low pH treatment, ultrasonic agitation, thermal or electromagnetic treatment. 138-. (canceled)39. An apparatus comprising:a plurality of synthetic beads carrying mineral particles, each of the synthetic beads comprising a surface made of a synthetic material and a plurality of molecules attached to the surface, the molecules comprising a functional group having a chemical bond for attracting one or more of the mineral particles to the molecules so as to cause the mineral particles to attach to synthetic beads, the surface comprising a coating attached thereto to provide the plurality of molecules, the coating being made of a coating material different from the synthetic material, the coating material comprising a hydrophobic chemical selected from the group consisting of polysiloxanates, poly(dimethylsiloxane) and fluoroalkysilane; anda releasing apparatus configured to interrupt the chemical bond of the functional group so as to remove the mineral particles from the synthetic beads.40. The apparatus according to claim 39 , wherein the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles are received in a mixture having a first temperature claim 39 , wherein said release apparatus is configured to cause the synthetic beads carrying the mineral particles to contact with a medium having a ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING METAL RECOVERY SYSTEMS

Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator. 1. A method for ameliorating plugging of an orifice of a metal recovery system comprising: [ a first leaching solution distribution system interface;', 'a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface;', 'a 3-way pressure regulator comprising a 3-way valve in communication with the flow meter; and', 'a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator; and, 'a monitoring module, which includes, 'a leaching solution distribution system comprising a primary pipe and a branch coupled to the primary pipe through the first and second leaching solution distribution system interfaces, thereby allowing the leaching solution to be distributed back to the primary pipe through the second leaching solution distribution system interface, wherein the branch comprises the orifice;, 'passing a leaching solution to a metal-bearing material through a leaching solution system, the leaching solution system comprisingmeasuring, by the flow meter, at least one of a flow rate and a pressure of the leaching solution;detecting, by a monitoring system, a flow change indicative of a plugged condition of the orifice via data of the at least one of the flow rate and the pressure; andunclogging the orifice.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system comprises a transmitter configured to transmit the data of the at least one of the flow rate and the pressure.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system comprises a gateway configured to receive and ...

RECOVERY OF METALS

A method for recovering metal from electronic waste contacting electronic waste with a recovery solution to dissolve metals from the electronic waste into the recovery solution, wherein the recovery solution comprises nitric acid and ferric nitrate; and raising the pH of the recovery solution to precipitate at least some of said metals therefrom. 1. A method for recovering metal from electronic waste , the method comprising;contacting electronic waste with a recovery solution to dissolve metals from the electronic waste into the recovery solution, wherein the recovery solution comprises nitric acid and ferric nitrate; andraising the pH of the recovery solution to precipitate at least some of said metals therefrom.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovery solution comprises from 0.5 to 12 wt % ferric nitrate.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovery solution comprises from 10 to 60 wt % nitric acid claim 1 , preferably from 15 to 40 wt %.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovery solution comprises chloride ions.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovery solution further comprises sulphamate ions.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the recovery solution further comprises a copper corrosion inhibitor.7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising subjecting the recovery solution and electronic waste to agitation with an oxygen-containing gas.8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic waste is immersed for at least 30 minutes in the recovery solution.9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adding chloride ions to the recovery solution prior to raising the pH.10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the raising the pH of the recovery solution comprises raising the pH to from 3 to 6.12. The method of claim 1 , wherein contacting the electronic waste with the recovery solution is carried out in a revolving drum.13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising continuous filtration of the recovery solution.14. The method of claim 1 , ...

COPPER ALLOY AND COPPER ALLOY MANUFACTURING METHOD

A copper alloy having an electrical resistivity lower than those of current copper alloys and a tensile strength higher than those of current copper alloys and a method of manufacturing such a copper alloy are provided. The copper alloy is produced by adding a predetermined amount of carbon to a molten copper in a high-temperature environment of a temperature in the range of 1200° C. to 1250° C. such that the copper alloy has a carbon content in the range of 0.01% to 0.6% by weight. 114-. (canceled)15. A copper alloy produced by adding a predetermined amount of carbon to molten copper in a high-temperature environment such that the copper alloy has a carbon content in the range of 0.01% to 0.6% by weight ,wherein the carbon is graphite of the hexagonal system, andwherein a carbon dispersant for promoting the diffusion of carbon in copper in a high-temperature environment is added together with the carbon to copper.16. The copper alloy according to claim 15 , wherein the temperature of the high-temperature environment is in the range of 1200° C. to 1250° C.17. The copper alloy according to claim 15 , wherein the copper alloy has the carbon content in the range of 0.03% to 0.3% by weight. The present invention relates to a copper alloy and, more specifically, to a carbon-bearing copper alloy produced by adding carbon to a copper material.Copper materials are materials having high electric conductivity and high workability among general metals. Copper materials are used for making electric wires and copper alloys.Patent document 1: JP 2007-92176 APower transmission lines, for example, are used for transferring electric power from one location to a distant location. Therefore, even a slight reduction of the electric resistance of power transmission lines has a great Joule heat reducing effect, and hence there is always a great demand for the development of copper materials having a lower electrical resistivity. Copper materials for forming electric wires need to have a ...

Heap Leaching Method

A process of extracting copper from copper sulphide minerals which is enhanced at solution potentials exceeding 700 mV SHE, in the absence of any microorganism, by contacting the minerals in a pre-treatment phase using an acid solution at a high chloride content containing dissolved copper. 19.-. (canceled)10. A method of recovering a base metal from an ore comprising subjecting the ore to a pre-treatment phase followed by leaching the pre-treated ore , wherein , in the pre-treatment phase:(a) the ore is contacted with a solution during an agglomeration step, or by irrigation;(b) a solution potential in contact with the ore exceeds 700 mV vs. Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE), in the absence of microorganisms;(c) a total iron concentration of the solution contacting the ore is >0.1 g/L;(d) the solution addition is controlled to achieve a final ore moisture content in a range 2 to 25 wt. %;(e) a pH of the solution contacting the ore does not exceed pH 3.0;{'sup': '−', '(f) a Clion concentration of the solution contacting the ore is between 130 and 230 g/L; and'}(g) a dissolved oxygen level in the solution contacting the ore is below 1 mg/L.11. The method according to wherein in step (a) the final ore moisture content is in the range of 5 to 8 wt %.12. The method according to wherein in step (e) the pH of the solution is below pH 2.5.13. The method according to wherein claim 10 , in step (f) claim 10 , chloride ions are introduced by means of at least one of the following:{'sub': 2', '3, 'i. an addition of one or more of the following NaCl, MgCl, KCl and AlCl, directly to the ore; to the solution; or to a pond; and'}ii. an addition of salt water or brine to the ore or to the solution.14. The method according to wherein claim 10 , in step (e) claim 10 , the pH level of the solution in contact with the ore is maintained by an addition of sulphuric acid directly to the ore during an agglomeration process or by an addition of sulphuric acid to the solution which ...

SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE EFFICIENCY OF SMELTING COPPER CONCENTRATES

A method of operating a copper or other metal value concentrator is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the method may comprise producing a final copper concentrate; periodically or continuously analyzing the produced final copper concentrate to obtain a grade value of the produced final copper concentrate; and diverting the produced final copper concentrate to a downstream smelting operation if/when the grade value of the produced final copper concentrate is at or above a minimum acceptable grade threshold; or, diverting the produced final copper concentrate to a downstream hydrometallurgical operation capable of producing copper cathode or other saleable copper product from the produced final copper concentrate, if/when the grade value of the produced final copper concentrate is below said minimum acceptable grade threshold. A copper concentrator capable of conducting the aforementioned method steps is also disclosed. 1. A method of operating a copper concentrator comprising:(a) producing a final copper concentrate via the concentrator;(b) analyzing the produced final copper concentrate to obtain a grade value of the produced final copper concentrate; and(c) diverting the produced final copper concentrate to a downstream smelting operation if the grade value of the produced final copper concentrate is at or above or exceeds a minimum grade threshold; or diverting the produced final copper concentrate to a downstream hydrometallurgical operation capable of producing copper cathode from the produced final copper concentrate, if the grade value of the produced final copper concentrate is below or falls below said minimum grade threshold.2. (canceled)3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the minimum grade threshold is between approximately 10 and 25%.4. (canceled)5. (canceled)6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the minimum grade threshold is a minimum acceptable grade threshold which is calculated based upon terms of a smelter contract ...

INTEGRATED HYDROMETALLURGICAL AND PYROMETALLURGICAL METHOD FOR PROCESSING ORE

A process for recovering copper, uranium and one or more precious metals from an ore material, including: a. forming a heap of the ore material; b. subjecting the heap of the ore material to an acidic heap leach using an iron containing acidic leach solution in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, and producing a pregnant leach solution and a ripios; c. subjecting the ripios to flotation to produce a copper containing ripios concentrate and tailings; and d. subjecting the ripios concentrate to a smelting process to produce a smelted copper product. e. recovering copper and uranium from the pregnant leach solution. 1. A process for recovering copper , uranium and one or more precious metals from an ore material , the process comprising:a. forming a heap of an ore material;b. subjecting the heap of the ore material to an acidic heap leach using an iron comprising acidic leach solution in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, and producing a pregnant leach solution and a ripios;c. subjecting the ripios to flotation to produce a copper comprising ripios concentrate and tailings; andd. subjecting the ripios concentrate to a smelting process to produce a smelted copper product.e. recovering copper and uranium from the pregnant leach solution.2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising:f. electro-refining the smelted copper product to produce cathode copper and precious metal-containing anode slimes; andg. recovering one or more precious metals from the precious metal-containing anode slimes.3. The process of claim 1 , wherein the ore material comprises copper sulphides and uranium minerals.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the smelting process comprises two smelting stages.5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the smelting process comprises a primary smelting stage and a secondary smelting stage.6. The process of claim 5 , wherein the primary smelting stage is conducted in a matte smelting furnace.7. The process of claim 5 , wherein the secondary smelting ...

METHOD FOR SEPARATING COPPER FROM NICKEL AND COBALT

Provided is a method for efficiently separating copper from nickel and cobalt from a sulfide containing nickel and cobalt together with copper. The present invention is a method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt, the method comprising pulverizing a sulfide containing copper and nickel and cobalt into a predetermined size and then stirring the resultant product under the condition having an oxidation-reduction potential (a reference electrode: a silver/silver chloride electrode) of less than 100 mV using an acid solution to perform a leaching treatment. In this separation method, a leach liquor in which nickel and cobalt are leached and a leach residue containing copper sulfate are produced as the result of the leaching treatment. 1. A method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt , wherein a sulfide comprising copper , nickel and cobalt is pulverized to a predetermined size , and the pulverized sulfide is subjected to a leaching treatment by stirring the pulverized sulfide in an acid solution under a condition wherein a redox potential (reference electrode: silver/silver chloride electrode) is less than 100 mV.2. The method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt according to claim 1 , wherein the leaching treatment produces a leachate in which nickel and cobalt are leached claim 1 , and a leach residue comprising copper sulfide.3. The method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt according to claim 1 , wherein the sulfide is pulverized so as to have a particle size of 150 μm or less as a D90 value.4. The method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt according to claim 1 , wherein the leaching treatment is performed at an acid solution temperature in a range of 60° C. or more and less than 100° C.5. The method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt according to claim 1 , wherein a hydrochloric acid solution or a sulfuric acid solution is used as the acid solution.6. The method for separating copper from nickel and cobalt ...

OPTIMIZED ORE PROCESSING USING MOLTEN SALTS FOR LEACHING AND THERMAL ENERGY SOURCE

A method for the electrolytic production of pure copper from copper-containing compounds dissolved in a high-temperature bath of molten salts which function as an electrolyte in an electrolytic cell. An electric current is passed between an anode immersed in the copper-ion rich molten salt bath and a cathode or cathode-lined kettle in which the molten salt bath is contained, thereby reducing the dissolved copper ions to form pure molten copper. The deposited molten copper collects at the bottom of the kettle and can be separated from the molten salt bath using conventional means. 1. A method of producing pure metallic copper in an electrolytic cell containing a molten salt electrolyte , the method comprising the steps of:providing a vessel for containing the molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of between 500° C. and 1200° C., said vessel comprising a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom, wherein said vessel further comprises an outlet configured as a drain;providing at least one copper-containing compound;dissolving said at least one copper-containing compound in said molten salt electrolyte;providing at least one anode in liquid communication with said molten salt electrolyte;providing at least one cathode in communication with said vessel bottom;passing an electrical current through said anode and said cathode, thereby depositing molten copper at said cathode and producing gas at said anode;removing copper deposited at said cathode through the outlet in said vessel.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vessel further comprises a mechanical stirrer configured to aerate said molten salt electrolyte and any copper copper-containing compounds dissolved therein.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said vessel is composed of fused quartz.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said anode and said cathode are composed of graphite carbon.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said electrolyte comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting ...

Process and apparatus for metal refining

The invention is directed to a process and apparatus for metal refining, in particular for refining a mixture of conductive particles, such as heavy non-ferrous particles. In accordance with the invention a feed containing a mixture of conductive particles is fed to a dissolution unit, wherein the less noble metal is separated from a metal of interest in the presence of one or more acids or complexing agents, thus producing a stream having a concentrated less noble metal and producing a conductive stream containing a metal of interest. The conductive stream is then fed to a refining unit, wherein the conductive stream is separated in a stream of concentrated metal(s) of interest and a stream of concentrated conductive particles.

COPPER POWDER AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

Disclosed is copper powder having an average primary particle size D of 0.15 to 0.6 μm, having a ratio of D to D, D/D, of 0.8 to 4.0 wherein Dis a sphere-equivalent average particle diameter calculated from a BET specific surface area, and having no layer for preventing agglomeration on the surface thereof. The copper powder is suitably produced by a method which includes a step of mixing (1) hydrazine and (2) a reactant mixture including a monovalent or divalent copper source and a liquid medium which includes water and an organic solvent having water miscibility and capable of reducing the surface tension of water, to reduce the copper source to form copper particles. 1. Copper powder having an average primary particle size D of 0.15 to 0.6 μm , having a ratio of D to D , D/D , of 0.8 to 4.0 wherein Dis a sphere-equivalent average particle diameter calculated from a BET specific surface area , and having no layer for preventing agglomeration on the surface thereof.2. The copper powder according to claim 1 , having a total content of carbon claim 1 , phosphorus claim 1 , silicon claim 1 , titanium claim 1 , and zirconium of 0.10 mass % or less.3. The copper powder according to claim 1 , having a total content of sodium claim 1 , sulfur claim 1 , and chlorine of 0.10 mass % or less.4. The copper powder according to claim 1 , having a crystallite size of 60 nm or smaller.5. The copper powder according to claim 1 , having a sintering onset temperature of 170° to 240° C.6. An electroconductive composition comprising the copper powder according to and an organic solvent.7. A method for producing copper powder comprising the step of mixing (1) hydrazine and (2) a reactant mixture comprising a monovalent or divalent copper source and a liquid medium which includes water and an organic solvent having water miscibility and capable of reducing the surface tension of water claim 1 , to reduce the copper source to form copper particles.8. The method according to claim 7 , ...

Solid-gas-liquid (sgl) reactor for leaching polymetal minerals and/or concentrates based on lead, copper, zinc, iron and/or the mixtures thereof

A vertical low-pressure reactor with stirred tank for leaching polymetal minerals and concentrates of lead, copper, zinc, iron and/or the mixtures thereof, in a solid-gas-liquid three-phase suspension system. The low-pressure vertical reactor with stirred tank consists of: a cylindrical vertical container with three or four deflectors evenly distributed across the 360°; a stirring system made up of two impellers coupled to a rotary shaft, that provides adequate reaction and interaction of the metal species of interest; a space of the volume of the reactor, corresponding to 20% to 35% of the total volume of the container, located at the top of the reactor and which acts as a gas chamber that provides a continuous feed of oxygen; and a system of coils placed on the outside or inside surface of the reactor to ensure efficient heat-transfer reactions and controlled kinetics.

A Method of Pretreatment and Bromine Recovery of PCB Incineration Ash

A method of pretreatment and bromine recovery of PCB Incineration ash is disclosed that relates to the field of comprehensive recovery of valuable metals by full wet method, especially relates to a method of valuable metals and bromine recovery, precious metals enrichment in pretreatment process of PCB Incineration ash. The major steps includes alkali leaching, Cu extraction back-extraction, neutralization-precipitation to separate, Bromine evaporative crystallization, regeneration, acid pickling, Zn evaporative crystallization, removal of Zn and Cu. Compared with the traditional comprehensive recovery process of ash, the invention can separate bromine from ash and recover valuable metals such as copper, zinc and lead with the maximum extent, at the same time, the enrichment of silver and other precious metals is beneficial to the subsequent recovery of precious metals. It has high added recovery value and no tailless discharge. 1. A method of pretreatment and Bromine recovery of printed circuit board Incineration ash , comprising the steps of: [{'sup': '3', 'treating the printed circuit board Incineration ash with an alkali leaching solution for 1 to 2 hours, wherein the alkali leaching solution is made of a mixture of sodium hydroxide and ammonia, wherein the concentration of sodium hydroxide is 5˜20% by mass, and the concentration of ammonia is 5˜20% by mass, the solid-liquid ratio of ash to the leaching solution is 1:5˜1:10 Kg/L, the leaching temperature is 35˜55° C., meanwhile keep blowing air with agitation, wherein the blast air volume per cubic meter leaching solution is 0.01˜0.1 m/min;'}, 'stopping blowing the air and continue agitating, adding 1˜3 g copper powder into every liter of the leaching solution;', 'carrying out the reaction for 10˜30 minutes; and', 'performing filtration to obtain a mixed alkali leaching slag and a mixed alkali leaching solution;, '(1) alkali leaching, further comprising the steps of extracting copper from the mixed alkali ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING METAL RECOVERY SYSTEMS

Various embodiments provide a leaching solution monitoring module comprising a first leaching solution distribution system interface, a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface, the flow meter in fluid communication a 3-way pressure regulator, and a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator. 1. (canceled)2. A leaching solution monitoring system comprising:a first leaching solution distribution system interface fluidly coupling at least one leaching solution monitoring module to a pipe of a leaching solution distribution system;a flow meter in fluid communication with the first leaching solution distribution system interface and in fluid communication with a 3-way pressure regulator comprising a 3-way valve;a transmitter configured to transmit a data to a gateway; anda processor receiving the data from the gateway,wherein the leaching solution monitoring system is configured to receive a leaching solution from the first leaching solution distribution system, and allow the leaching solution to be distributed to the leaching solution distribution system.3. The leaching solution monitoring system of claim 2 , wherein the transmitter transmits a flow rate data from the flow meter to the gateway.4. The leaching solution monitoring system of claim 2 , wherein the transmitter transmits a pressure data to the gateway.5. The leaching solution monitoring system of claim 2 , wherein the flow meter is a differential pressure flow meter.6. The leaching solution monitoring system of claim 2 , further comprising a second leaching solution distribution system interface in fluid communication with the 3-way pressure regulator claim 2 , wherein the second leaching solution distribution system interface is configured to fluidly couple the at least one leaching solution monitoring module to the pipe of the leaching solution distribution system.7. The leaching ...

SYSTEM FOR USE IN PRODUCING A METAL ION SUSPENSION AND PROCESS OF USING SAME

Provided herein is a system for producing suspensions comprising soluble metal ions. The system comprises a basket to hold a metal load comprising a permeable floor so as to allow a solution to come into contact with the metal load. The system further comprises a vessel within which the solution and the basket may be maintained while metal ions are leached from the metal load into the solution. Some embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to a system used to produce a suspension comprising copper ions. Additionally, provided herein are methods of using the system to produce suspensions comprising soluble metal ions. Some embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of making suspensions comprising copper ions. The resultant suspensions comprising metal ions may be further modified to supply a pharmaceutically acceptable treatment. 1. A system for producing a suspension comprising metal ions , the system comprising:a. a basket, the basket comprising a base comprising a floor permeable to a solution and metal ions and at least one wall, and 'wherein the basket is configured to be loaded with one or more pieces of metal on its base, wherein the vessel is configured to hold the solution, and wherein the basket and the vessel are configured for the basket to be disposed in the vessel such that the one or more metal pieces loaded into the basket are fully or partially submerged in the solution placed in the vessel and ions are leached from the one or more metal pieces into the solution.', 'b. a vessel;'}2. The system of wherein the basket comprises one or more pairs of spacers.3. The system of wherein the vessel has a flat bottom or a rounded bottom.4. The system of wherein the vessel and the basket are cylindrical.5. The system of wherein the one or more pieces of metal loaded into the basket are fully submerged in the solution placed in the vessel.6. The system of wherein at least one of the vessel and the basket are composed of medical grade stainless ...

Methods and Compositions for Isolation of Copper Group Metals

Compositions and methods are provided that provide recovery of metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, indium, and other metals are recovered from mine tailings, in situ ore bodies, or postconsumer waste. An amine-containing lixiviant is utilized to generate an aqueous solution of the desired metal from insoluble salts present in the source material. Metals can be recovered and further purified by various processes, including extraction into an immiscible organic solvent, electrowinning, crystallization, and chemical reduction. Spent lixiviant can be regenerated and recycled back into the metal recovery process. 121-. (canceled)22. A method of recovering a metal , comprising:obtaining a source material comprising an insoluble salt of a first metal;contacting the source material with an amine-containing lixiviant to generate a soluble salt of the first metal; andrecovering a solution comprising the soluble salt of the first metal,wherein the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, cobalt, indium, and nickel.23. The method of claim 22 , comprising the additional step of recovering the first metal from the solution.24. The method of claim 23 , wherein recovery is performed by chemical or electrochemical reduction.25. The method of claim 23 , wherein recovery is performed by crystallization.26. The method of claim 23 , wherein recovery is performed by formation of an insoluble salt comprising the first metal.27. The method of claim 26 , wherein formation of the insoluble salt is accompanied by regeneration of the amine-containing lixiviant.28. The method of claim 26 , wherein recovery is performed by contacting the solution with a precipitant selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide claim 26 , a carbonate claim 26 , a sulfide claim 26 , a phosphate claim 26 , and a phosphide.2921. The method of claim claim 26 , wherein the lixiviant is a compound represented by Formula 1:{'br': None, 'sub': 1', '2', '3, 'Ny,R,R,R,H-Xz\u2003\u2003Formula 1 ...

RECOVERY OF VALUABLE OR TOXIC METALS FROM SILICON SOLAR CELLS

Exemplary methods provide for recovery of valuable industrial metals in connection with recycling of silicon solar cells and modules. Silicon, copper, silver, and the like may be recovered separately, allowing for cost-effective recycling for silicon solar cells and modules. 1. A method for recycling materials from a silicon solar cell , the method comprising:chemical dissolution of at least one of silver, lead, tin, and copper from the silicon solar cell to form a metal-bearing solution;extraction of tin from the metal-bearing solution via sedimentation;extraction of at least one of silver, lead, and copper from the metal-bearing solution; andrecovery of solar-grade silicon from the silicon solar cell.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of treatment of waste chemicals produced during one or more of the chemical dissolution claim 1 , extraction claim 1 , or recovery.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of extraction of at least one of silver claim 1 , lead claim 1 , and copper is performed via sequential electrowinning.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the sequential electrowinning comprises:placing the metal-bearing solution in a three-electrode cell utilizing a first working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode, wherein the first working electrode comprises silver;applying a voltage between 0.3419 V and 0.7996 V versus standard hydrogen electrode to the first working electrode to deposit silver on the first working electrode;removing the first working electrode from the metal-bearing solution and inserting a second working electrode into the metal-bearing solution, wherein the second working electrode comprises copper;applying a voltage between −0.1262 V and 0.3419 V versus standard hydrogen electrode to the second working electrode to deposit copper on the second working electrode;removing the second working electrode from the metal-bearing solution and inserting a third working electrode into the metal-bearing ...

COPPER PROCESSING METHOD

A method of processing a copper-containing source material is provided whereby an aqueous acidic leach solution of the copper-containing source material is formed and then contacted with a pH increasing agent to thereby cause the precipitation of a copper-containing intermediate. The copper-containing intermediate can then be collected and exposed to a high temperature treatment, such as would be encountered in smelter or converter operations. 1. A method of processing a copper-containing source material including the steps of:(a) providing an aqueous acidic leach solution of the copper-containing source material;(b) introducing a pH increasing agent into the acidic leach solution to cause the precipitation of a copper-containing intermediate; and(c) collecting the copper-containing intermediate and exposing it to a high temperature treatment, optionally transporting the copper-containing intermediate to another location prior to its exposure to the high temperature treatmentto thereby process the copper-containing source material.2. The method of wherein the copper-containing source material is a copper-containing ore claim 1 , copper smelter slag claim 1 , copper-containing tailings claim 1 , copper concentrate or a copper-containing process intermediate or waste product.3. The method of wherein the copper-containing ore is selected from a copper sulphide or copper oxide ore.4. The method of wherein the aqueous acidic leach solution is formed from an acid selected from the group consisting of sulphuric claim 1 , nitric and hydrochloric acids.5. The method of wherein the pH increasing agent is selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide claim 1 , calcium carbonate claim 1 , calcium hydroxide claim 1 , calcium ferrite claim 1 , magnesium oxide claim 1 , magnesium carbonate claim 1 , magnesium hydroxide claim 1 , sodium carbonate claim 1 , sodium hydroxide claim 1 , dolomite and materials containing one or more of these compounds.6. (canceled)7. The method of ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACID GRANULATION OF MATTE

A method is provided for leaching the metals while granulating molten matte, comprising the steps of feeding a molten matte as a falling stream into a granulation chamber, spraying a liquid jet on the stream of molten matte to atomize the matte, and cooling the matte particles thus formed. The liquid jet comprises an acid solution containing water and sulfuric acid so that the acid solution starts leaching metals from the molten matte when the liquid jet contacts the molten matte. Part of product solution from granulation can be circulated to liquid jets to increase the metal content in the solution and to reduce its acid con-tent. 1. A method for granulating molten matte , comprising the steps of feeding molten matte as a falling stream into a granulation chamber , spraying one or more liquid jets on the stream of molten matte to atomize the matte , and cooling the matte particles thus formed , wherein the liquid jet(s) comprise(s) acid solution containing water and sulfuric acid so that the acid solution starts leaching metals from the matte when the liquid jet contacts the molten matte.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein a product solution settling on the bottom of the granulation chamber is partly circulated to the liquid jet(s) and partly supplied to further steps of metal recovery.3. A method according to claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , in addition to said liquid jet(s) claim 1 , also one or more jets of gas or steam are blown on the falling stream of molten matte to intensify atomization of matte.4. A method according to claim 3 , wherein the effect of the gas or steam jet(s) is intensified by introducing solid particles into said gas or steam jets.5. A method according to claim 1 , wherein hot gases are circulated in the granulation chamber to expand the temperature area suitable for leaching reactions.630. A method according to claim 1 , wherein atomized matte particles are cooled at a lower part of the granulation chamber () by spraying a liquid jet of ...

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING VALUE METALS FROM ORE

This invention relates to a process for recovering valuable metals from ore with significantly reduced water consumption through the discrete treatment and storage of coarse tailings. Ore is ground to produce a coarse particulate ore. The coarse particulate ore is treated in a coarse flotation stage to produce a low grade concentrate fraction and a coarse tailings fraction. The low grade concentrate fraction is treated to produce fine tailings and a saleable concentrate. The coarse tailings are treated separately from the fine tailings and water is recovered from the coarse tailings by hydraulically stacking; filtering or screening, whereafter the coarse tailings are dry stacked, without being recombined with the fine tailings. 1. A process for recovering value metals from ore , including the steps of:grinding the ore to produce a coarse particulate ore with a particle size p80 of greater than 150 μm up to 1000 μm;treating the coarse particulate ore in a coarse flotation stage to produce a concentrate fraction, and a coarse tailings fraction with a particle size p80 of greater than 150 μm up to 1000 μm; andmilling the concentrate fraction to produce a milled concentrate, and treating the milled concentrate in a secondary flotation stage to produce a secondary concentrate fraction and a fine tailings fraction; wherein:coarse tailings from the coarse tailings fraction are treated and/or stored separately from the fine tailings fraction or any other fine tailings.2. The process claimed in claim 1 , wherein the coarse tailings from the coarse tailings fraction are dry stacked.3. The process claimed in claim 2 , wherein water is removed from the coarse tailings from the coarse tailings fraction by hydraulically stacking; filtering or screening.4. The process claimed in claim 1 , wherein coarse tailings from the coarse tailings fraction are not combined with fine tailings claim 1 , nor passed through a concentrator.5. The process claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ore is ...

METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING Ca-CONTAINING COPPER ALLOY

In a method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy, a Ca addition step of adding Ca to molten copper is provided, and, in the Ca addition step, a copper-coated Ca material () obtained by coating a surface of a metallic Ca () with copper () is used. In the copper-coated Ca material (), an oxygen content in the copper () that coats the metallic Ca () is preferably set to less than 100 ppm by mass. 1. A method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy containing Ca , the method comprising:a Ca addition step of adding Ca to molten copper,wherein, in the Ca addition step, a copper-coated Ca material obtained by coating a surface of a metallic Ca with copper is used.2. The method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy according to claim 1 ,wherein, in the copper-coated Ca material, an oxygen content in the copper that coats the metallic Ca is set to less than 100 ppm by mass.3. The method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy according to claim 1 ,wherein, in the copper-coated Ca material, the surface of the metallic Ca is coated with copper by process of thermal spraying or deposition.4. The method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy according to claim 1 ,{'sub': Ca', 'Ca', 'Cu', 'Ca', 'Cu', 'Ca, 'wherein, in the copper-coated Ca material, a volume ratio V/Vof a volume Vof the applied copper to a volume Vof the metallic Ca is set in a range of 0.01≦V/V≦6.'}5. The method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy according to claim 1 ,{'sub': Cu', 'Ca', 'Cu', 'Ca', 'Cu', 'Ca, 'wherein, in the copper-coated Ca material, a weight ratio W/Wof a weight Wof the applied copper to a weight Wof the metallic Ca is set in a range of 0.1≦W/W≦35.'}6. The method for manufacturing a Ca-containing copper alloy according to claim 1 ,wherein the Ca-containing copper alloy has a composition in which a content of Ca is 0.01% by atom or higher and 10% by atom or lower and a remainder is copper and inevitable impurities.7. The method for ...

Method for Recovery of Metals from Sulfide Ores

A process for bio-oxidation of sulfides in mineral ore having a metal such as gold occluded or dispersed within the ore as a sulfide is disclosed. The first step comminutes the ore into particles with a size distribution having a P80 of less than 0.25 inch with minus 106 micron particles in the range of 15% to 40% by weight. Agglomerates are formed by adding to the comminuted ore particles an acidic inoculate solution including water, with the solution further including microorganisms capable of bio-oxidizing the sulfides. The agglomerates are then placed in at least one bio-reactor containment vessel to form an ore bed. The process continues by bio-oxidizing the sulfides in the ore bed; then re-circulating the solution through the ore bed, and continuing the bio-oxidation until a desired bio-oxidation level is achieved. Thereafter, the metal is recovered from the ore.

PROCESS FOR RECOVERY OF COPPER FROM ARSENIC-BEARING AND/OR ANTIMONY-BEARING COPPER SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES

A process for the extraction of copper from a feed material comprising at least one of arsenic and antimony-bearing copper sulphide minerals is provided. The process includes fine-grinding the feed material and after fine-grinding, subjecting the feed material to pressure oxidation in the presence of surfactant and a halogen to produce a product slurry. The process also includes subjecting the product slurry to liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation filtrate and solids comprising at least one of a compound of arsenic and a compound of antimony, and recovering copper from the pressure oxidation filtrate.

HYDROMETALLURGICAL METHOD FOR THE REMOVAL OF RADIONUCLIDES FROM RADIOACTIVE COPPER CONCENTRATES

A hydro-metallurgical method for the removal of uranium, thorium, radium, lead, bismuth and polonium and/or other radionuclides from a radioactive copper concentrate to produce an upgraded copper concentrate having lowered emission levels. The method comprises the step of: subjecting the copper concentrate to an acidic leaching process (NONOX leach) using a sulfate and chloride containing lixiviant under electrochemically controlled conditions, to allow at least partial removal of one or more of the radionuclides to produce the lowered emission upgraded copper concentrate, wherein the leaching process is conducted at elevated temperature and under pressure to suppress boiling in the leaching process.

PROCESS FOR SEPARATION OF AT LEAST ONE METAL SULFIDE FROM A MIXED SULFIDE ORE OR CONCENTRATE

A stabilization process for an arsenic solution comprising thiosulfates, the process comprising: acidifying the arsenic solution to decompose the thiosulfates, to yield an acidified solution; oxidizing the acidified solution to oxidize residual As to As and reduced sulfur species to sulfates, to yield a slurry comprising elemental sulfur; separating elemental sulfur from the slurry to yield a liquid; oxidizing the liquid to oxidize residual reduced sulfur species, to yield an oxidized solution; and forming a stable arsenic compound from the oxidized solution. 1. A process for separation of antimony and arsenic from a leach solution comprising soluble antimony and arsenic , the process comprising:oxidizing the soluble antimony and arsenic in the leach solution so as to reach an oxidation end point determined by at least one of wavelength monitoring and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) monitoring, to yield soluble antimony and arsenic thiosalts; andoxidizing the soluble antimony and arsenic thiosalts to yield an antimony precipitate and an arsenic solution.2. The process of claim 1 , wherein antimony and arsenic are present in the leach solution in a molar ratio of about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1.3. The process of claim 2 , wherein antimony and arsenic are present in the leach solution in a molar ratio of about 1:1.4. The process of claim 1 , wherein the leach solution comprises a major amount of arsenic relative to antimony.5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the leach solution comprises a major amount of antimony relative to arsenic.6. The process of claim 1 , wherein said oxidizing the soluble antimony and arsenic in the leach solution comprises oxidizing with elemental sulfur.7. The process of claim 1 , further comprising:removing the soluble antimony and arsenic thiosalts from the leach solution by crystallization.8. The process of claim 7 , further comprising:recovering the leach solution for recycling.9. The process of claim 7 , wherein said removing comprises ...

Methods for Controlling Iron via Magnetite Formation in Hydrometallurgical Processes

A method of controlling iron in a hydrometallurgical process is disclosed. The method may comprise the steps of: leaching () a feed slurry (); forming a pregnant leach solution (); removing a first leach residue () from the pregnant leach solution (); and sending a portion () of the pregnant leach solution () and/or raffinate () produced therefrom, to an iron removal process (). According to some preferred embodiments, the iron removal process () may comprise the steps of: sequentially processing the pregnant leach solution () and/or raffinate () produced therefrom in a first reactor (R) a second reactor (R), and a third reactor (R); maintaining a pH level of the first reactor (R) above 4, by virtue of the addition of a first base; maintaining a pH level of the second (R) and/or third (R) reactors above 8.5, by virtue of a second base; and forming solids () comprising magnetite (). The method may further comprise the steps of performing a solid liquid separation step () after the iron removal process (); and performing a magnetic separation step () to remove magnetite () from said solids comprising magnetite (), without limitation. A system for performing the method is also disclosed. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)31. A method of controlling iron in a hydrometallurgical leach process () comprising the steps of:{'b': 14', '114', '2', '102, 'leaching (, ) a feed slurry (, );'}{'b': 12', '12', '112', '112, 'i': a', 'b', 'a', 'b, 'forming a pregnant leach solution (, ; , );'}{'b': 18', '118', '12', '12, 'i': a', 'b, 'removing a first leach residue (, ) from the pregnant leach solution (, ); and'}{'b': 12', '112', '12', '12', '22', '122', '34', '134', '34', '134, 'i': b', 'b', 'a', 'b, 'claim-text': [{'b': 12', '12', '22', '122, 'i': a', 'b, 'sub': 1', '2', '3, 'sequentially processing the pregnant leach solution (, ) and/or raffinate (, ) produced therefrom in a first reactor (R) a second reactor (R), and a third reactor (R);'}, {'sub': '1', 'maintaining a pH level of the ...

Process for separation of at least one metal sulfide from a mixed sulfide ore or concentrate

A process is provided for separation of at least one metal sulfide from a mixed sulfide concentrate. The process may comprise: subjecting the mixed sulfide concentrate to flotation in which at least one sulfide comprising antimony, arsenic and a first metal is floated and at least one sulfide comprising a second metal is depressed. The flotation yields a first metal concentrate having the at least one sulfide comprising antimony, arsenic and the first metal and a second metal concentrate having the at least one sulfide comprising the second metal. The first metal concentrate is leached to yield a further concentrate and a leach solution. The further concentrate comprises the first metal and the leach solution comprises soluble antimony and soluble arsenic. The process may further comprise oxidizing the leach solution to yield an antimony precipitate and an arsenic solution, and forming a stable arsenic compound from the arsenic solution.

SYNTHESIS OF A METASTABLE VANADIUM PENTOXIDE AS A CATHODE MATERIAL FOR ION BATTERIES

A highly scalable process has been developed for stabilizing large quantities of the zeta-polymorph of VO, a metastable kinetically trapped phase, with high compositional and phase purity. The process utilizes a beta-Cux VOprecursor which is synthetized from solution using all-soluble precursors. The copper can be leached from this structure by a room temperature post-synthetic route to stabilize an empty tunnel framework entirely devoid of intercalating cations. The metastable ζ-VOthus stabilized can be used as a monovalent-(Li, Na) or multivalent-(Mg, Ca, Al) ion battery cathode material. 1. A method of making ζ-VOnanowires comprising:{'sub': x', '2', '5, 'hydrothermally reacting soluble vanadium source, wherein the vanadium is 4+, 5+, or a combination thereof, and a copper source, wherein copper is 1+ or 2+, in the presence of a reducing agent to provide β-CuVO(0.33 Подробнее

WATER BALANCE IN A CHLORIDE HEAP LEACH

A method of maximising the amount of water available for rinsing in a high-chloride heap leach operation which includes the step of using process make-up water in the range of 0.05 to 0.35 m3/ton of ore to rinse leach residue ore, in the heap, thereby to displace a chloride-containing aqueous liquor from the leached ore. 1. (canceled)2. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the quantity of process make-up water in the rinsing step is between 0.1 and 0.15 m/ton of ore.3. A method of maximizing an amount of water which is available for rinsing in a high-chloride heap leach operation claim 3 , the method comprising:{'sup': '3', 'using process make-up water in the range of 0.05 to 0.35 m/ton of ore to rinse leached residue ore, in a heap; and'}displacing a chloride-containing aqueous liquor from the leached residue ore due to the using process make-up water rinsing the leached residue ore, wherein an amount of process make-up water, available for rinsing, is increased by utilizing a multi-stage counter-current loaded organic solvent scrub circuit to reduce a chloride concentration in an organic phase.4. The method according to claim 3 , further comprising increasing an amount of the process make-up water available for rinsing by at least one of the following:increasing water evaporation from a leach circuit;diverting rain water from the heap; andreducing a demand for electrowinning bleed make-up water by effective scrubbing of a loaded organic.5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the chloride concentration in the organic phase is reduced to below 50 ppm.6. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the displaced chloride-containing aqueous liquor is recovered and recycled to the high-chloride heap leach operation thereby to decrease a quantity of make-up salt which is added to the high-chloride heap leach operation.7. The method according to claim 3 , wherein rinsing by the process make-up water is carried out for a period of from 5 to 100 days.8. The method ...

Methods of copper extraction

The hydrometallurgical copper extraction processes of the present teachings generally including two steps: a conditioning or activating step using low concentrations of ammonia and ammonium in an aqueous solution; and an acid leaching step. The processes of the present teachings can be performed at low temperature, for example, at ambient temperature, and at atmospheric pressure.

POLYMER-SUPPORTED CHELATING AGENT

The polymer-supported chelating agent is polyisobutylene having a thiol-thioether terminal group. The polymer-supported chelating agent is made by reaction of the terminal carbon double bond of polyisobutylene with 1,2-ethanedithiol in a one-step click reaction, resulting in PIB functionalized with a thiol-thioether sequestering group. In use, the polymer-supported chelating agent is added to a biphasic solvent system containing a transition metal in solution for removal of the transition metal by liquid/liquid extraction. The transition metal is chelated or sequestered by the chelating agent and removed in a nonpolar organic phase, such as heptane. 1. A polymer-supported chelating agent , comprising polyisobutylene having a terminal group , the terminal group being a chelating agent.2. The polymer-supported chelating agent according to claim 1 , wherein the chelating agent comprises a thiol-thioether.4. A method of synthesizing the polymer-supported chelating agent according to claim 3 , comprising the steps of:dissolving alkene-terminated polyisobutylene and 1,2-ethanedithiol in a solvent mixture of ethanol and heptane, the solvent mixture being 1:1 ethanol:heptane volume-to-volume to form a reaction mixture;adding a polymerization initiator to the reaction mixture; andirradiating the reaction mixture with ultraviolet light.5. The method of synthesizing the polymer-supported chelating agent according to claim 4 , wherein said polymerization initiator comprises azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN).6. The method of synthesizing the polymer-supported chelating agent according to claim 4 , wherein said polymerization initiator comprises di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP).7. The method of synthesizing the polymer-supported chelating agent according to claim 4 , wherein said step of irradiating the reaction mixture with ultraviolet light comprises irradiating the reaction mixture with ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 365 nm.8. The method of synthesizing the polymer-supported ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING IMPURITY METAL CONCENTRATION DURING METALLURGIC PROCESSES

Reagent compositions, methods and systems for reducing concentrations of impurity metals during metallurgic processes. Certain methods and systems in particular pertain to control of iron concentration in copper electrowinning electrolyte solutions. 111-. (canceled)13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising: i. a first input connected to the output for the organic impurity-loaded solution in the first separator;', 'ii. a second input connected to a sulfuric acid source; and, 'a. a second mixer comprising'} i. a first output for an organic impurity-stripped solution to exit the separator;', 'ii. a second output for an impurity-rich raffinate solution to exit the separator., 'b. a second separator in fluid communication with the second mixer, the second separator comprising'}14. The system of claim 12 , further comprising an electrowinning station comprisinga. a first input connected to the second output of the first separator;b. a first output connected to the first input of the first mixer.15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the aqueous impurity-rich electrolyte solution also comprises copper.16. The system of claim 12 , wherein the organic impurity-lean solution further comprises a modifier.17. The system of claim 16 , wherein the modifier comprises a C-Clinear claim 16 , branched or cyclic or aryl alcohol.18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the first input of the first mixer and the first output of the electrowinning station comprise a continuous feed stream.19. The system of claim 17 , wherein the input of the electrowinning station and the second output of the first separator continuous comprise a feed stream.20. The system of claim 12 , wherein the extraction agent further comprises a dialkyl phosphate ester. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/949,502, filed Mar. 7, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.The present invention relates generally to the field of extractive metallurgy. In ...

USE OF OXYGENATED OR POLYOXYGENATED INORGANIC WEAK ACIDS, OR DERIVATIVES, RESIDUES AND WASTE THEREOF, IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE RECOVERY OF COPPER AND/OR THE CONCENTRATION OF COPPER IN PROCESSES FOR THE LEACHING OR BIOLEACHING OF COPPER MINERALS

The invention concerns the use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids, or minerals or compounds that generate the same, or of solid and liquid wastes from plants producing oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids, or minerals or compounds and their derivatives to increase copper recovery from mineral and/or to increase the copper concentration of the pregnant leach solution in the copper leaching process or the copper bioleaching process. 1. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids , or minerals or compounds that generate the same COMPRISING an increase in copper recovery from mineral and/or to increase the copper concentration of the pregnant leach solution in the copper leaching process.2. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a weak acid that can be claim 1 , among others claim 1 , boric acid or phosphoric acid.3. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a weak acid that is preferably boric acid claim 1 , also called orthoboric acid.4. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a weak acid that is preferably phosphoric acid claim 1 , also called orthophosphoric acid.5. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a mineral that contains boron or phosphorus.6. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a mineral that contains boron.7. Use of oxygenated and polyoxygenated weak acids claim 1 , or minerals or compounds that generate the same in the copper leaching of COMPRISING a mineral that contains phosphorus.8. Use of oxygenated or polyoxygenated weak acids claim ...

Heap Leaching Method

A method for recovering one or more of copper, uranium and a precious metal from an ore material, including: (a) forming a heap of the ore material; (b) during active heap irrigation, contacting the heap of the ore material with an iron containing acidic leach liquor having a high chloride content in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, and producing a pregnant leach solution; and (c) recovering one or more of copper, uranium and a precious metal from the pregnant leach solution. 129.-. (canceled)30. A method for recovering one or more of copper , uranium and a precious metal from an ore material , including:(a) forming a heap of the ore material;(b) during active heap irrigation, contacting the heap of the ore material with an iron containing acidic leach liquor having a high chloride content in the presence of an oxygen containing gas, and producing a pregnant leach solution; and(c) recovering one or more of copper, uranium and a precious metal from the pregnant leach solution.31. The method of wherein the ore material contains copper sulphides and/or uranium minerals and optionally one or more precious metals selected from gold and/or silver.32. The method of wherein the chloride content in the leach liquor of step (b) is a minimum of 15 g/L.33. The method of wherein the iron containing leach liquor contains ferric ions claim 30 , which oxidize the ore material and are reduced to ferrous ions which are subsequently reoxidized to ferric ions by reaction with the oxygen containing gas claim 30 , and wherein the iron containing leach liquor optionally contains cupric ions that catalyze the reaction of ferrous to ferric ions.34. The method of wherein the redox potential of the leach liquor exceeds 420 mV Ag/AgCl claim 30 , in the absence of bioleaching microorganisms.35. The method of wherein the iron containing acidic leach liquor has a total iron concentration >0.1 g/L.36. The method of wherein the acidity of the leach liquor is such that the pH of the ...