METHOD FOR UNDERGROUND AND HEAP LIXIVIATION OF METALS Russian patent published in 1998 - IPC

FIELD: metallurgical and mine industry. SUBSTANCE: this method can be used for lixiviating masses of ores and production wastes. Treating of ore mass with solution is carried out simultaneously with alternate sending pulses of infralow frequency current at duration of 0.04-2.5 s to all groups of pairs of electrodes. Located between central pairs of electrodes are at least four pairs of other electrodes. Distance between them exceeds height of ore mass. Sent to central pairs of electrodes in groups are pulses of electric current. Voltage of this current is determined according to formula which takes account of height of ore mass being lixiviated. Sent to pairs of electrodes adjacent to central pairs of electrodes are pulses of current of voltage determined according to formula which takes account of height of ore mass and distance between central pair of electrodes and pairs of other electrodes in groups adjacent to it. Application of aforesaid method ensures intensive and uniform lixiviation process in entire volume of ore mass. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 1 tbl, 8 dwg