C - Chemistry – Metallurgy – 22 – B
Patent
C - Chemistry, Metallurgy
22
B
53/369
C22B 3/00 (2006.01) C22B 3/06 (2006.01)
Patent
CA 1085622
Abstract of the Disclosure A technique is provided for leaching particulate ores for recovering metal values whether unchrushed, crushed or finely ground. In an exemplary embodiment copper bearing ore is crushed to less than about one inch with at least 25% being greater than 4 mesh. The crushed ore is mixed with a small amount of strong sulfuric acid and the moistened mixture is kept in a curing pile for about two days for dehydration and induration of the ore, as well as solubilization of the copper minerals. The induration is sufficient that the ore can sustain the weight of a thin layer of about one-half to one meter thick without appreciable compacting. The indurated ore is spread on a permeable substrate in a thin layer about one-half to one meter thick. A leaching solution is then percolated through this thin layer to remove the metal values. The initial effluent leach liquor has high metal values and low acid content and is passed to a solvent extraction system where the metal values are recovered. The solvent extraction raffinate, which is high in acid, is recirculated as a leach liquid. Leaching of the thin layer is essentially countercurrent since progressively leaner leach liquids are used. If the layer is less than about one meter thick the yield of metal values from the top and bottom portions of the layer are not appreciably different. In another embodiment a thin layer is formed on the face of a tailings pile or the like and leached at the angle of repose. In another embodiment acid in a leach liquid or the like is neutralized by percolating through a thin layer of limestone. Neutralization can also be accomplished by limestone in the permeable substrate beneath a thin layer being leached. A satisfactory permeable substrate has closely spaced timbers interspersed with gravel or limestone, thereby permitting movement of ore handling tractors without damage to the substrate. Leaching of extremely fine ore is provided by mixing with at least 50% particles larger than about 4 mesh. Other variations of thin layer leaching are also provided.
248874
Hirons & Rogers
Holmes & Narver Inc.
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