METHOD FOR PRODUCING METAL FROM ORE Russian patent published in 1995 - IPC

FIELD: mining processes. SUBSTANCE: active and passive modes of leaching process in reservoirs is of predetermined length. In so doing metal precipitation from producible solution into difficulty soluble precipitate is excluded. Number of reservoirs is preset with the proviso that time of longer passive leaching mode in one reservoir is equal to time of shorter active leaching mode in integer-valued number of reservoirs. Then volume of agent solutions taking part in leaching process is reduced by successive transferring agent solution from one reservoir, where the process has been completed into another one. In so doing, metal content in resultant agent solution is increased, and hence, sorption effectiveness, and ecological purity of the process are increased too. A formula for calculating needed number of reservoirs is presented, as well as criterion for finishing leaching process. Use of the criterion prevents nonproductive use of agent solutions and increases method productivity. EFFECT: increased efficiency of leaching and sorption processes at the expense of considerable reduction of time for saturation ores with agent solution without increasing solution volume, as well as decreased volume of washing out and rendering harmless solutions. 5 dwg