Heap-leach pad injection system and method
AssigneeBoard of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the Desert Research Insti.
InventorDavid Decker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an extraction method. A conduit is formed in a heap-leach pad. The heap-leach pad includes a plurality of poorly perfused areas. The conduit is in fluid communication with poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad. A fluid that includes steam is injected into the conduit. The fluid travels through the heap-leach pad and condenses in poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad. An extraction solution is applied to the heap-leach pad. Condensation of steam in the poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad provides new flow pathways for the extraction solution.
Claims13
An extraction method comprising:
- in a heap-leach pad comprising a plurality of poorly perfused areas, forming a conduit in a heap-leach pad, the conduit in fluid communication with the poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad;
- injecting a fluid comprising steam into the conduit, the fluid contacting, and the steam condensing in, the poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad;
- and
- applying an extraction solution to the heap-leach pad;
- wherein condensation of steam in the poorly perfused areas of the heap-leach pad provides new flow pathways for the extraction solution.
A mine closure or remediation method comprising:
- in a heap-leach, forming a conduit in a heap-leach pad, the heap-leach pad comprising dissolvable or oxidizable minerals;
- and
- injecting a fluid comprising steam into the conduit;
- wherein the steam contacts the minerals and enhances oxidation or dissolution of the minerals.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.