Mine waste source for bio-mineral fertilizer to remineralize agricultural soil
US10351482B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/145
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Natural biomineral fertilizers for sustainable farming are produced in an environmentally sound manner from mine waste. Finely divided mine waste and process tailings serve as a novel source of rock powder for use as fertilizer. Mine waste and process tailings may be treated with non-toxic chemicals to selectively remove certain unwanted elements such as mercury. Solid and liquid fertilizers are also obtained by digesting mine waste and process tailings in combination with bio-waste plus selected bacteria under anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic digestion also generates methane gas for use as fuel for generating electricity or for process heating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.