Resource Technology Associates

Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation

Wayne W Hazen

James E Reynolds

Paul B Queneau

Enzo L Coltrinari

John P Hager

Nicholas J Lombardo

David L Thompson

Victor J Ketcham

Mark A Peters

Molybdenum trioxide is produced from molybdenite by a pressure oxidation process comprising of the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of molybdenite, pressure oxidizing the slurry to form soluble and insoluble molybdenum species, converting the insoluble molybdenum species to soluble molybdenum species by alkaline digestion, separating the soluble molybdenum species from insoluble residue contaminants (if present), removing the molybdenum species from the aqueous media through solvent extraction, and recovering the molybdenum values as molybdenum trioxide from the organic solvent. Low grade molybdenite concentrates, including concentrator slimes containing talc and sericite, can be used as a feed. The process produces technical grade molybdenum trioxide.

Pressure oxidation process for the production of molybdenum trioxide

Process for recovering metal values from jarosite solids

A novel process for the recovery of alumina and potassium sulfate from alunite is provided comprising leaching the alunite with potassium hydroxide to which no sodium materials have been added, said leach solution being saturated with potassium sulfate. Aluminum values are solubilized into the leachate, and potassium and sulfur values are rendered soluble, but remain in the residue. The leachate is desilicated if necessary, preferably with lime, and aluminum trihydroxide is precipitated therefrom, followed by calcining to alumina product. The residue is leached to solubilize potassium sulfate in a secondary leach and the potassium sulfate product crystallized therefrom. Potassium hydroxide is regenerated from a portion of the potassium sulfate secondary leachate by several methods. Novel procedures for regenerating alkali metal hydroxides from the corresponding sulfates are also provided including routes involving formates and carbonates as intermediates and pyrohydrolysis.

Recovery of alumina values from alunite ore

Growing community of inventors

Wheat Ridge, CO, United States of America

Wayne W Hazen