Claims
- 1. A process for extraction of metals from sulfide mineral concentrates or for the production of sulfuric acid from sulfur which comprises
- (a) binding said concentrates or sulfur to a packing; and
- (b) leaching said metals or said sulfur wherein graphite or graphite and a nutrient are blended with the sulfide mineral concentrates prior to being bonded to the packing.
- 2. The process, according to claim 1, wherein the packing is a sphere that is comprised of a ring and pin arrangement.
- 3. The process, according to claim 2, where the packing is made from polyethylene or any recyclable material.
- 4. The process, according to claim 1, wherein ferric sulfate is added as an oxidizing agent for the leaching of concentrates.
- 5. The process, according to claim 1, wherein the binding agent is a polymer.
- 6. The process, according to claim 5, wherein the polymer is polyethylmethacrylate.
- 7. The process, according to claim 1, wherein said packing is coated with a biological nutrient and catalyst to support the health and growth of acidophilic microbes.
- 8. The process, according to claim 7, wherein said acidophilic microbe is selected from the group consisting of Thiobacillus thiooxidans, Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, and fungi.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority from provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/046,639 filed May 16, 1997.
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Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry |
Wan, R.V., et al. (1984) Office of naval Research, Fed. Rpt. No. 36 Nov. 28, 1984 Electrochemical Features of the Ferric Sulfate Leaching of CuFeS.sub.2 /C Aggregates no month. |