METHOD FOR UNDERGROUND LIXIVIATION OF SULFIDE COPPER-BEARING POLYMETAL ORES Russian patent published in 1999 - IPC

FIELD: hydrometallurgical industry. SUBSTANCE: this method can be used in processing sulfide polymetal ores by means of underground and heap lixiviation. According to method, lixiviation of ores is carried out in caved zones and/or their surrounding fissured zones of flooded mines. In conditioning of mother liquor, additionally performed is oxidizing of bivalent iron. Concentration of trivalent iron in solution is maintained within 0.5-30 g/l. Ratio of concentration of trivalent iron to summed concentrations of bivalent iron and trivalent iron is assumed to be equal to 0.5-1.0. Concentration of bivalent copper is to be within 0.5-5.0 g/l. Process of lixiviation is realized in presence of oxygen. Oxidizing of bivalent iron in solution is performed by means of bacteria in presence of oxygen or in presence of pyrite. In addition, solution is subjected to treatment by acoustic oscillations produced primarily by hydrodynamic emitters. Application of aforesaid method improves efficiency of lixiviation and this is combined with reduced amount of reagent needed. Process of lixiviation can be realized in conditions of flooded copper mines. EFFECT: higher efficiency. 4 cl