In-situ leaching
US4344923A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/28
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention relates to in-situ leaching of uranium, particularly employing an acidic leach liquor containing an oxidant, and especially in respect of ores containing significant amounts of transition metals that act as catalysts for peroxidant decomposition. When hydrogen peroxide is used as oxidant under such conditions it decomposes leading to the formation of gas bubbles and exacerbation of ore-blinding, and a reduction in the efficiency of extraction of uranium. The present invention employs peroxymonosulphuric acid as oxidant and thereby ameliorates the problems aforesaid. Preferably, additionally, sulphuric acid is present in the leach liquor and in many preferred embodiments the peroxymonosulphuric acid concentration is from 0.001 to 0.03 moles/liter and the sulphuric acid from 0.025 to 0.075 moles/liter.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.