Recovering metal values by solvent extraction

摘要

A process for extracting a metal in ionic form from a solid or liquid material in which it is contained comprises the steps of (1) contacting the material with a metal complexing agent to sequester the metal ions and with a solvent to dissolve the metal complex that forms, and (2) separating the solvent liquor containing the metal complex from the material. The solvent comprises at least one fluorine containing compound selected from the (hydro)fluorocarbons and the (hydro)fluorocarbon ethers.