PROCESS FOR SOLUTION MINING OF SILVER

摘要

Disclosed herein is a process for the in situ leaching of noble metal values from ores. The process comprises feeding into a subterranean stratum chlorinated aqueous brine having an oxidation potential of at least about 500 millivolts. Noble metal values are solubilized into the brine which is then recovered from the stratum. The process is relatively efficient and economical and can be performed without complex, time-consuming excavations or the accumulation of processed tailings.