Leaching copper-containing ores

US10563284B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES PTY LIMITED · AU

Inventors

• Daniel Arthur Kittelty · Melbourne, AU
• Paul Leslie Brown · Kiama, AU
• Ralph Peter Hackl · Vancouver, CA
• Pauline Maree Najjar · Melbourne, AU
• Anna Zonneveld · Whittlesea, AU
• Jason Maurice Young · Hastings, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 26, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 18, 2020
• Expiry date: Mar 26, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P10/20
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of leaching copper-containing ores includes leaching copper-containing ores or concentrates or tailings of the ores or concentrates with a leach liquor in the presence of an additive that enhances the dissolution of copper from copper minerals in the ores and concentrates by forming a complex between (a) sulfur, that has originated from copper minerals in the ores, and (b) the additive. A method of leaching copper-containing ores includes leaching copper-containing ores or concentrates or tailings of the ores or concentrates with a leach liquor includes leaching copper-containing ores or concentrates or tailings of the ores or concentrates with a leach liquor in the presence of a nitrogen-containing organic complexing additive that forms a complex between sulfur, that has originated from copper minerals in the ores, and the additive.