Patent · US Expired

Gold recovery from thiosulfate leaching

US6632264B2 · kind B2 · utility

20Cited by
28References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 17, 2001
Grant dateOct 14, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P10/20
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Processes for recovering gold from copper-gold ores thiosulfate leaching or gold ores copper catalyzed thiosulfate leaching using ion exchange technology are disclosed. The processes include subjecting the gold-bearing and copper-bearing thiosulfate solution to a pH and/or temperature adjustment to reduce tetrathionate concentration in the thiosulfate solution prior to contacting with an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin once loaded with gold and optionally copper is eluted with a mixture of sodium tetrathionate, ammonium thiosulfate and sodium sulfite. Gold and optionally copper are recovered from the eluate by electrowinning or precipitation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.