Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method and heap for recovering metal values from ore in a heap leach process. The method includes the steps of depositing and stacking crushed ore 16 on an impermeable pad 12 to form a heap, and enclosing the heap with a substantially impermeable coating 18 to both gas and liquid; to form a sealed heap. The sealed heap is irrigated with a leachant added inside the top of the heap, allowing the leachant to percolate through the heap and removing leachant at the base of the heap, either for recirculation or subsequent processing. Oxygen containing gas is added to the base of the sealed heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/14 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic alkaline solutions containing ammonia or ammonium salts
• C22B 1/16 - SinteringAgglomerating
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 11/08 - Obtaining noble metals by cyaniding
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper

Abstract

This invention relates an inoculated sulphide concentrate comprising a pyrite-containing sulphide particulate composition, wherein the particle surfaces of the sulphide composition are coated with a microbial mix. The invention also relates to method of bioheap leaching of a sulphide ore in which the acidity and temperature of the heap are enhanced. The concentrate 14 is blended through a particulate ore to be leached 16; and the blended ore 18 is stacked in a heap 20 which is leached with an irrigation liquid to recover the contained values in the concentrate and the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/18 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes with the aid of microorganisms or enzymes, e.g. bacteria or algae
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt
• C22B 19/00 - Obtaining zinc or zinc oxide
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• B03D 1/00 - Flotation

Abstract

A method of analysing ore during excavation, wherein the method includes, during excavation, scanning/sensing ore by using an active hyperspectral sensing (AHS) sensor. The scanning/sensing step includes (i) controlling a power spectrum of a light source, and (ii) comparing, by using the AHS sensor, an emitted light spectrum of light emitted from the controlled light source with a light spectrum of reflected/backscattered light which is reflected/backscattered off the ore. The AHS sensor may be directed towards a muck/veneer/stockpile in order to scan ore forming part of, or being located on, the muck/veneer/stockpile.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices
• E02F 7/00 - Equipment for conveying or separating excavated material
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 3/28 - DredgersSoil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets
• E02F 5/14 - Component parts for trench excavators, e.g. indicating devices
• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices
• E21C 41/30 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor for ores, e.g. mining placers

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

Abstract

A method of analysing ore, wherein the method includes, during excavation, scanning/sensing ore, by using a sensor. The sensor is located at a position which is (i) spaced from a bucket/shovel of an excavator and (ii) operatively higher relative to the bucket/shovel. The sensor is also directed towards the bucket/shovel, so that the sensor can scan/sense operatively downwardly towards/into the bucket/shovel. The sensor may be secured to, or mounted on, an excavator at a position which is spaced from a bucket/shovel of the excavator.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21C 41/30 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor for ores, e.g. mining placers
• E02F 3/28 - DredgersSoil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets
• E02F 5/14 - Component parts for trench excavators, e.g. indicating devices
• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices

Abstract

THIS invention relates a method for processing a sulphide ore containing metal values comprising the integration of a sand heap leach (10) and a flotation process (12), providing a method which is suited to processing ores with significant quantities of leachable sulphides. The method includes a comminution step (14), and the classification of the comminuted ore into an oversize coarse fraction (16), a fine fraction (18) suitable for fine flotation and optionally an intermediate fraction (20) suitable for coarse flotation. A concentrate (30) containing iron sulphides from a fine flotation step (22) and optionally a concentrate (36) from a coarse flotation step (34) are blended with the oversize coarse fraction (16), to obtain a blended ore (39) is stacked and subjected to a heap leach process (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/08 - Sulfuric acid
• C22B 3/26 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by liquid-liquid extraction using organic compounds

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of recovering metal values such as gold, copper, nickel, zinc and uranium from ores containing said metal values. The method includes the steps of crushing an ore (10) to provide a sand containing metal values with a P80 of less than 5 mm but greater than 1 mm; classifying the sand (12) to remove a finer fraction to provide classified sand with a P10 of greater than 0.15 mm, and a P90/P10 ratio of less than 25 and greater than 3, forming a heap (18) from the classified sand, and distributing leachant and air through the heap to leach the values from the sand in a pregnant leachate, from which the leached values may be recovered. The invention also relates to a heap formed from ore processed by this method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method and heap for recovering metal values from ore in a heap leach process. The method includes the steps of depositing and stacking crushed ore 16 on an impermeable pad 12 to form a heap, and enclosing the heap with a substantially impermeable coating 18 to both gas and liquid; to form a sealed heap. The sealed heap is irrigated with a leachant added inside the top of the heap, allowing the leachant to percolate through the heap and removing leachant at the base of the heap, either for recirculation or subsequent processing. Oxygen containing gas is added to the base of the sealed heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/14 - AgglomeratingBriquettingBindingGranulating
• C22B 3/02 - Apparatus therefor

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method and heap for recovering metal values from ore in a heap leach process. The method includes the steps of depositing and stacking crushed ore 16 on an impermeable pad 12 to form a heap, and enclosing the heap with a substantially impermeable coating 18 to both gas and liquid; to form a sealed heap. The sealed heap is irrigated with a leachant added inside the top of the heap, allowing the leachant to percolate through the heap and removing leachant at the base of the heap, either for recirculation or subsequent processing. Oxygen containing gas is added to the base of the sealed heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/14 - AgglomeratingBriquettingBindingGranulating
• C22B 3/02 - Apparatus therefor

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of sequestering CO2 containing gas with the preparation of a high surface area of rock suited for sequestration in a 3-dimensional permeable heap. The method includes includes the steps of obtaining, or obtaining and comminuting, a material 10 which is suitable for CO2 sequestration to generate a feed stock with a p80 less than 5mm. Separating the feedstock into a coarse fraction 16 and a fine fraction 16, and agglomerating 20 the fine fraction to form an agglomerated particles 22 with an apparent p80 of less than 10mm and with a p10 > 0.15mm. The agglomerated particles are stacked in a heap 18, and a CO2 containing gas, and an irrigant 26, through the permeable and unsaturated heap, to sequester 24 the CO2 contained in the gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 53/62 - Carbon oxides
• B01D 53/14 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by absorption
• B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
• B01D 53/46 - Removing components of defined structure

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of sequestering CO2 in a 3 dimensional heap structure of MgO containing crushed rock by crushing 12 MgO containing rock 10 to a particulate material with a size suited to sequestration and having a particle size of less than 5 mm; classifying 14 and reducing the proportion of fines generated in the crushed rock, such that the proportion of <75 micron particles is less than 20% by weight; stacking 20 the crushed rock such that the heap exceeds a hydraulic conductivity of 10-5m/s; and gas can flow through at a rate of greater than 20 l/m2/h. The heap 20 is irrigated 30 to maintain the rock in an unsaturated state with internal moisture between 10-25% by weight. CO2 containing gas 25 is passed through the heap, such that the residual particulate matter is accessed by and reacts with CO2 in the gas; and the CO2 in the gas is converted to a solid carbonate material.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 32/60 - Preparation of carbonates or bicarbonates in general
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/06 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic acid solutions

Abstract

THIS invention relates a method for processing a sulphide ore containing metal values comprising the integration of a sand heap leach (10) and a flotation process (12), providing a method which is suited to processing ores with significant quantities of leachable sulphides. The method includes a comminution step (14), and the classification of the comminuted ore into an oversize coarse fraction (16), a fine fraction (18) suitable for fine flotation and optionally an intermediate fraction (20) suitable for coarse flotation. A concentrate (30) containing iron sulphides from a fine flotation step (22) and optionally a concentrate (36) from a coarse flotation step (34) are blended with the oversize coarse fraction (16), to obtain a blended ore (39) is stacked and subjected to a heap leach process (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/20 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Abstract

THIS invention relates a method for processing a sulphide ore containing metal values comprising the integration of a sand heap leach (10) and a flotation process (12), providing a method which is suited to processing ores with significant quantities of leachable sulphides. The method includes a comminution step (14), and the classification of the comminuted ore into an oversize coarse fraction (16), a fine fraction (18) suitable for fine flotation and optionally an intermediate fraction (20) suitable for coarse flotation. A concentrate (30) containing iron sulphides from a fine flotation step (22) and optionally a concentrate (36) from a coarse flotation step (34) are blended with the oversize coarse fraction (16), to obtain a blended ore (39) is stacked and subjected to a heap leach process (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/20 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of recovering metal values such as gold, copper, nickel, zinc and uranium from ores containing said metal values. The method includes the steps of crushing an ore (10) to provide a sand containing metal values with a P80 of less than 5mm but greater than 1mm; classifying the sand (12) to remove a finer fraction to provide classified sand with a P10 of greater than 0.15mm, and a P90/P10 ratio of less than 25 and greater than 3, forming a heap (18) from the classified sand, and distributing leachant and air through the heap to leach the values from the sand in a pregnant leachate, from which the leached values may be recovered. The invention also relates to a heap formed from ore processed by this method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/10 - Hydrochloric acid
• C22B 5/10 - Dry processes by solid carbonaceous reducing agents
• C22B 34/22 - Obtaining vanadium

Abstract

8010901010 ratio of less than 25 and greater than 3, forming a heap (18) from the classified sand, and distributing leachant and air through the heap to leach the values from the sand in a pregnant leachate, from which the leached values may be recovered. The invention also relates to a heap formed from ore processed by this method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/10 - Hydrochloric acid
• C22B 34/22 - Obtaining vanadium
• C22B 5/10 - Dry processes by solid carbonaceous reducing agents

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for the recovery of precious metal/s from a precious metal-containing material in an aqueous leach slurry or solution. The process includes the step of contacting the precious metal/s in the leach slurry or solution with a ligand selected from dithiooxamide (rubeanic acid), or a substituted dithiooxamide. The leaching of PGMs, gold and silver from their ores using the ligand of the present invention may take place under aqueous alkaline conditions, avoiding both corrosive acidic conditions and the use of cyanide.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/16 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in organic solutions
• C07D 233/02 - Heterocyclic compounds containing 1,3-diazole or hydrogenated 1,3-diazole rings, not condensed with other rings having no double bonds between ring members or between ring members and non-ring members
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 3/12 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic alkaline solutions
• C22B 3/24 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means by adsorption on solid substances, e.g. by extraction with solid resins

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for the recovery of precious metal/s from a precious metal-containing material in an aqueous leach slurry or solution. The process includes the step of contacting the precious metal/s in the leach slurry or solution with a ligand selected from dithiooxamide (rubeanic acid), or a substituted dithiooxamide. The leaching of PGMs, gold and silver from their ores using the ligand of the present invention may take place under aqueous alkaline conditions, avoiding both corrosive acidic conditions and the use of cyanide.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/12 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic alkaline solutions
• C22B 3/16 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in organic solutions
• C22B 3/24 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by physical processes, e.g. by filtration, by magnetic means by adsorption on solid substances, e.g. by extraction with solid resins
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals