Extraction of copper from sulfide ores
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior
InventorsThomas A. Henrie, Roald E. Lindstrom, Kenneth P. V. Lei
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Abstract
Copper is extracted from sulfide ores or concentrates by electrolysis in a cell having separate anode and cathode sections, and having an intermediate liquid copper-mercury alloy electrode between the anode and cathode sections.
Claims4
A process for recovery of copper from sulfide ores or concentrates comprising providing an electrolytic cell consisting essentially of (1 ) an anode section containing an aqueous electrolyte slurry of the ore or concentrate, (2) a separate cathode section, and (3) an intermediate electrode consisting essentially of a liquid copper-mercury alloy at a temperature of about 85.degree. to 100.degree. C between said anode section and said cathode section, and operating said cell for a time sufficient to effect substantial decomposition of the ore or concentrate at the anode and deposition of metallic copper at the cathode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.