Gregory R O'Neil

Title: Gregory R O'Neil: Innovator in Refractory Ore Treatment

Introduction

Gregory R O'Neil is a notable inventor based in Marmion, Australia. He has made significant contributions to the field of refractory ore treatment, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approaches to metal recovery.

Latest Patents

O'Neil's latest patents include a method for pretreatment and agglomeration as a vehicle for refractory ore treatment. This agglomerative heap leaching method is designed for recovering gold, silver, or other metals from low-grade refractory ores. The process incorporates hypochlorite compounds directly into the ore agglomerates as they are formed, allowing ample time for the hypochlorite to modify or passivate refractory components of the ore, thereby improving metal recovery in the subsequent cyanide leaching step. Another significant patent involves treating refractory gold ores via oxygen-enriched roasting. This process utilizes a two-state, fluidized bed roaster in a pure oxygen atmosphere to recover gold values from ores containing refractory sulfidic and carbonaceous matter.

Career Highlights

O'Neil is currently associated with Freeport-McMoRan Corporation, where he continues to advance his research and development efforts in the mining sector. His work focuses on enhancing the efficiency of metal recovery processes, which is crucial for the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, O'Neil has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Thomas H McCord and Jay Charles Smith. These collaborations have contributed to the development of innovative solutions in refractory ore treatment.

Conclusion

Gregory R O'Neil's contributions to the field of refractory ore treatment highlight his innovative spirit and dedication to improving metal recovery processes. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing technology in the mining industry.