In-situ mining of copper and nickel

Details In-situ mining of copper and nickel In-situ mining of copper and nickel

E - Fixed Constructions

21

B

166/30

E21B 43/28 (2006.01) E21B 21/14 (2006.01)

Patent

CA 1068214

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A process is disclosed for in-situ mining of copper from a subterranean ore body characterized, at least in part, by the presence of a sulfidic ore and by natural, microscopic fracture openings. The process comprises forcing a stable, two-phase lixiviant comprising an aqueous phase, a multiplicity of gaseous, oxygen-contain- ing bubbles having a size sufficient to pass through the natural fracture openings in the ore body, and a sur- factant for enhancing the formation of the bubbles and for minimizing bubble coalescence through the ore body to leach copper. The aqueous and gaseous phases of the lixiviant are mixed at the surface and injected into the leaching inter- val through an injection hole, or preferably, are mixed in a subterranean sparger within the hole above the leaching interval. The pregnant liquor is recovered through one or more production holes and, after the copper is recovered, the lixiviant may be reconstituted and recirculated.

286308

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

In-situ mining of copper and nickel does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with In-situ mining of copper and nickel, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and In-situ mining of copper and nickel will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFCA-PAI-O-905120