Methods and systems for leaching a metal-bearing material using alkyl thiosulfonates

A method for leaching a metal-bearing material, comprising:

• leaching the metal-bearing material with a leaching solution to produce a pregnant leaching solution, wherein the leaching solution comprises a raffinate and an alkyl thiosulfonate compound,
• wherein the alkyl thiosulfonate compound undergoes decomposition in the leaching system, and wherein the decomposition of the alkyl thiosulfonate compound lowers oxidation reduction potential of the leaching system, improving recovery of a metal value from the metal-bearing material.

A method for leaching a metal-bearing material, comprising:

• agglomerating the metal-bearing material with an agglomeration solution to form an agglomerated metal-bearing material, wherein the metal-bearing material is combined with a raffinate and an alkyl thiosulfonate compound to form the agglomeration solution;
• and
• leaching the agglomerated metal-bearing material with a leaching solution, wherein the alkyl thiosulfonate compound undergoes decomposition during the leaching, and wherein the decomposition of the alkyl thiosulfonate compound lowers oxidation reduction potential of the leaching system, improving recovery of a metal value from the metal-bearing material.