Patent ID: 7964015
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: C22B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An improved process for the recovery of metal from a metal-containing ore, soil or rock, comprising the steps of: a) selecting a metal-containing ore; b) crushing the metal-containing ore to form a powder; c) conveying the powder to a mixing vat; d) adding an amount of a three-component lixiviant that consists of: e) forming a slurry of the metal containing ore powder and metal extracting lixiviant; f) extracting metals from the slurry to form a pregnant liquid and a solid residue; g) conveying the pregnant liquid and solid residue to a solid/liquid separator; h) removing solids from the pregnant liquid and solid residue of step f); i) directing the pregnant liquid of step g) to a metal recovery unit; and j) collecting between approximately 85% to approximately 97% of total metal in the ore.