Mining systems and methods
US9234980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/09
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides systems and methods capable of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a coiled tubing directional drilling system capable of treating interior portions of the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize a system and method capable of capturing real time temperature and resistivity data pertaining to pregnant solution characteristics in the heap/formation. In one embodiment, the present invention may utilize one or more wire line deployed X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers capable of quantitatively measuring concentrations of desired metals in the heap/formation during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes multiple passes of elemental capture spectroscopy logs acquired at regular time intervals to monitor metal concentrations during leaching operations. In one embodiment, the present invention provides one or more subsurface barriers capable of optimizing leaching operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.