James D Gillaspie

Title: Innovator Spotlight: James D. Gillaspie

Introduction

James D. Gillaspie, an accomplished inventor based in Gilbert, AZ, has made significant contributions to the field of metal recovery technologies. With a portfolio of four patents, Gillaspie's work primarily focuses on innovative processes for removing impurities and enhancing the efficiency of metal extraction.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations, Gillaspie has developed two notable patents. The first is a process for removing silica from pregnant leach solutions (PLS). This invention involves mixing PLS with an acid source, such as lean electrolyte, to facilitate the formation of colloidal silica. The process also incorporates the addition of a silica seeding agent and a flocculant to induce aggregation, followed by a solid-liquid separation process to effectively remove silica, alleviating the challenges of supersaturation encountered in metal recovery.

The second patent pertains to a method and apparatus for electrowinning copper utilizing an atmospheric leach that employs a ferrous/ferric anode reaction. This inventive approach not only addresses the recovery of copper but also assists in recovering other metals via leaching and electrowinning. The process leverages the synergistic addition of ferrous iron during the leach step, improving the overall efficiency of metal extraction from metal-bearing materials.

Career Highlights

James D. Gillaspie has a rich professional background, having worked with notable companies in the mining and metal recovery sector, including Freeport-McMoRan Corporation. His experience in such esteemed organizations has undoubtedly influenced his inventive prowess and contributed to his success.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Gillaspie has collaborated with several esteemed colleagues, including John C. Wilmot and David R. Baughman. These professional relationships have fostered an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing, providing a collaborative framework for advancing metal recovery technologies.

Conclusion

James D. Gillaspie stands as a prominent figure in the field of innovations directed towards enhancing metal recovery processes. His groundbreaking patents reflect a commitment to solving industry challenges and improving operational efficiencies. As he continues to develop inventive solutions, Gillaspie's work is certain to leave a lasting impact on the metal extraction industry.