Method for recovering precious metals

Abstract

Method for extracting precious metals from their ores in which the ore is particulated and mixed with a binding agent to form a paste. The paste material is discharged into a rotary drum at an extruding station where it is pelletized by forcing it through a perforated sidewall of the drum. The pellets are discharged onto a conveyor belt and are transported to a spray station where they are wetted with a lixiviant solution. The lixiviant coated pellets are then dried by exposure to a heated air stream at a drying station as they are transported to an open air curing stockpile. The cured pellets are heaped in a pile and are then washed with a water spray to yield a pregnant solution of a precious metal salt.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.