Patent ID: 8062614
Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process comprising: (a) providing a first aqueous leach pulp which comprises a mixture of leached solids and an aqueous leach solution comprising ammonia, water, and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of copper, zinc, cobalt, and nickel; (b) subjecting the first aqueous leach pulp to a first solid-liquid separation to provide a first clarified aqueous leach solution and a second aqueous leach pulp, wherein the second aqueous leach pulp comprises the leached solids at a % solids level greater than the first pulp; (c) subjecting the first clarified aqueous leach solution to a first solvent extraction prior to any significant dilution, to obtain a first aqueous raffinate; (d) subjecting the second aqueous leach pulp to a second solid-liquid separation with significant dilution via an aqueous stream to obtain a second clarified aqueous leach solution; and (e) subjecting the second clarified aqueous leach solution to a second solvent extraction to obtain a second aqueous raffinate.