Integrated, closed tank biooxidation/heap bioleach/precious metal leach processes for treating refractory sulfide ores
US6096113A · kind A · utility
9Cited by
13References
76Claims
0Family size
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Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S423/17
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A metal-containing refractory ore, such as refractory sulfide ore, is split into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is partially biodigested by a sulfide-digesting microorganism in a biooxidation reactor where the microorganism is acclimated to the sulfide "diet" provided by the ore. The partially digested ore is then combined with the second portion. The resulting material is then dewatered, agglomerated, biooxidized and subjected to a lixiviation process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.