摘要 |
<p>IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CONTROLLED PERCOLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEAP LEACH MINING A system for heap leach mining comprises supply and header pipes for conducting leaching solution alongside a bed or "heap" of crushed metal-laden ore deposited on an impervious pad. A series of spaced tubes are connected to the supply header pipes to extend transversely thereof, over the pad, to receive the leaching solution therefrom. A plurality of emitters are connected in spaced relationship along each of the tubes for emitting the leaching solution at a controlled and substantially uniform rate over the pad and into the ore bed. The tubes and emitters can be positioned either on an upper surface of the ore bed or buried beneath such surface, at a predetermined depth. The system and method of this invention provide numerous advantages over conventional surface spraying systems and methods, including substantial cost savings thereover.</p> |