Matti Hämäläinen

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Matti Hämäläinen in Gold Recovery Methods

Introduction

Matti Hämäläinen, an accomplished inventor based in Pori, Finland, has made significant strides in the field of hydrometallurgy, particularly in the recovery of gold from various concentrates. With a total of three patents to his name, Hämäläinen is recognized for his innovative approaches in the extraction and recovery of gold.

Latest Patents

Hämäläinen's latest inventions represent a substantial advancement in gold recovery techniques. One of his notable patents is a "Method for the recovery of gold from sulphide concentrate." This invention focuses on a hydro-metallurgical process that efficiently recovers gold from sulphidic concentrates that include arsenopyrite and/or pyrite. The process begins with leaching the concentrate using a concentrated solution of alkali chloride and copper (II) chloride, resulting in the dissolution of copper minerals and a portion of the gold. Following physical separation methods, elemental sulphur and precipitated iron and arsenic compounds are removed, yielding a first intermediate enriched with gold-bearing sulphide minerals. The free gold that remains undissolved is then extracted through gravity separation, leading to further comminution and decomposition of sulphide minerals.

Another valuable patent by Hämäläinen is titled "Method for the recovery of gold." This method is designed for recovering gold during the hydrometallurgical production of copper from residues or intermediate products that arise from copper raw material leaching. Here, both copper and gold are recovered within a chloride milieu, with the gold being leached using bivalent copper and oxygen in a copper (II) chloride-sodium chloride solution under specific conditions.

Career Highlights

Matti Hämäläinen currently works at Outotec Oyj, where he applies his expertise in metallurgical processes to drive innovation and improve metal recovery rates. His work with Outotec Oyj has made him a pivotal figure in advancing sustainable practices in metal extraction.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hämäläinen has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Olli Hyvärinen and Jaakko Leppinen. These collaborations have fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas and innovations, further enhancing the quality and impact of their joint research efforts.

Conclusion

Matti Hämäläinen's inventions and methodologies reflect his commitment to enhancing gold recovery processes in a sustainable manner. His patents not only contribute to advancements in hydrometallurgy but also underline the importance of innovative thinking in the field of resource recovery. As he continues to work alongside talented colleagues at Outotec Oyj, Hämäläinen is poised to shape the future of gold recovery technology.