Hydrometallurgical leaching process and apparatus

摘要

A process and apparatus for leaching metal values from a particulate mineral ore containing metal values employs a fluidized bed of the particles; a leaching agent solution containing dissolved oxygen flows upwardly of the bed in a lower leaching zone, to an upper clarification zone; a velocity profile is maintained to promote settling of particles so that the particulate solids remain in the leaching zone and a clarified leachant-containing liquid low in suspended solids rises and collects in the clarification zone; the process is carried out with a minimum of undissolved gas and avoids the need for mechanical agitation, but the kinetics of the chemical leaching reaction is improved and heat loss via escaping gases is avoided.