Teck Cominco Metals Ltd.

Juris R Harlamovs

Hector M Lizama

Dilipkumar D Makwana

Daniel W Ashman

Andrew W Stradling

David B Dreisinger

Baruch Grinbaum

Jose Alberto Gonzalez Dominguez

Cashman R S Mason

A method of extracting zinc from a sulphidic ore is provided which comprises bioleaching the ore in a heap with acidophilic microorganisms to produce a pregnant leach solution which is recovered from the bottom of the heap. An integrated process which comprises subjecting the pregnant leach solution to neutralization and solvent extraction to produce a concentrated zinc solution is also provided. Zinc may be recovered from the concentrated solution by means of electrowinning, either in the absence or presence of manganese. Alternatively zinc may be recovered in the form of a zinc compound.

Heap bioleaching process for the extraction of zinc

A method of extracting a halide and sulphate from an aqueous sulphate solution, such as a zinc sulphate solution, comprises subjecting the solution to solvent extraction to extract halide and sulphate from the solution and controlling the amount of sulphate extracted by selective adjustment of the acidity of the aqueous solution.

Solvent extraction of a halide from a aqueous sulphate solution

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Fruitvale, CA, United States of America

Juris R Harlamovs