Methods for recovering copper, cobalt, indium and nickel with amine containing lixiviant
AssigneeLixivia, Inc.
InventorMichael D Wyrsta
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Abstract
Compositions and methods are provided that provide recovery of metals such as copper, nickel, cobalt, indium, and other metals are recovered from mine tailings, in situ ore bodies, or postconsumer waste. An amine-containing lixiviant is utilized to generate an aqueous solution of the desired metal from insoluble salts present in the source material. Metals can be recovered and further purified by various processes, including extraction into an immiscible organic solvent, electrowinning, crystallization, and chemical reduction. Spent lixiviant can be regenerated and recycled back into the metal recovery process.
Claims19
A method of recovering a first metal, comprising:
- obtaining a source material selected from the group consisting of a mine tailing, an in situ ore body, and postconsumer waste, wherein the source material comprises an insoluble salt of a first metal;
- contacting the source material with a lixiviant comprising an amine-continuing compound and a counterion and with an acid form of the counterion to generate a soluble salt of the first metal;
- recovering a solution comprising the soluble salt of the first metal,
- wherein the first metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, cobalt, indium, and nickel;
- and
- regenerating the lixiviant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.