This application pertains to methods of recovering metals from metal sulfides that involve contacting the metal sulfide with an acidic sulfate solution containing ferric sulfate and a reagent that has a thiocarbonyl functional group, wherein the concentration of reagent in the acidic sulfate solution is sufficient to increase the rate of metal ion extraction relative to an acidic sulfate solution that does not contain the reagent, to produce a pregnant solution containing the metal ions.

This application pertains to methods of recovering metals from metal sulfides that involve contacting the metal sulfide with an acidic sulfate solution containing ferric sulfate and a reagent that has a thiocarbonyl functional group, wherein the concentration of reagent in the acidic sulfate solution is sufficient to increase the rate of metal ion extraction relative to an acidic sulfate solution that does not contain the reagent, to produce a pregnant solution containing the metal ions.

Described herein are compositions and methods for preferentially separating mercury from a metal product where both are present in an ore leachate. The separation is accomplished by adding a precipitating agent and a coagulant to an ore leachate followed by separating a mercury-laden precipitate therefrom to collect the treated leachate. The treated leachate includes about 0 to 50% by weight of the mercury and about 90% to 100% by weight of the metal product present in the ore leachate. In embodiments, the method further includes adding a flocculant to the ore leachate prior to the separating of the mercury-laden precipitate.

Described herein are compositions and methods for preferentially separating mercury from a metal product where both are present in an ore leachate. The separation is accomplished by adding a precipitating agent and a coagulant to an ore leachate followed by separating a mercury-laden precipitate therefrom to collect the treated leachate. The treated leachate includes about 0 to 50% by weight of the mercury and about 90% to 100% by weight of the metal product present in the ore leachate. In embodiments, the method further includes adding a flocculant to the ore leachate prior to the separating of the mercury-laden precipitate.

A process for recovering valuable products from ore containing boron and lithium, such as jadarite ore, includes an acid digestion step and downstream steps that recover valuable boron-containing and lithium-containing products.

Leaching aids, for example, when present in a leaching solution, and methods of using the leaching aids. The leaching aids can include one or a combination of compounds. The method of using the leaching aids can include a process of recovering metal from ore, for example, a process involving heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning.

Leaching aids, for example, when present in a leaching solution, and methods of using the leaching aids. The leaching aids can include one or a combination of compounds. The method of using the leaching aids can include a process of recovering metal from ore, for example, a process involving heap leaching, solvent extraction and electrowinning.

Metal-binding proteins, such as metallothionein proteins, are disclosed for removing metals from substrates in need of having such metals removed therefrom. Specifically, metallothionein proteins according to SEQ ID NO:1, 2, or 9-20 are disclosed for removing metals from liquid substrates. Associated methods for removing metals from substrates using metallothionein proteins are also disclosed.

Metal-binding proteins, such as metallothionein proteins, are disclosed for removing metals from substrates in need of having such metals removed therefrom. Specifically, metallothionein proteins according to SEQ ID NO:1, 2, or 9-20 are disclosed for removing metals from liquid substrates. Associated methods for removing metals from substrates using metallothionein proteins are also disclosed.

A process for recovery of one or more elements, selected from precious metals and chalcophile metals as herein defined, from materials containing precious and/or chalcophile metal/s, said process including: (i) a leaching step comprising contacting the material with an acidic solution containing a lixiviant comprising an aqueous amino acid-thiourea compound formed from an amino acid (as herein defined) and thiourea (as herein defined), in order to form a leachate containing the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal; and (ii) a recovery step comprising recovering the precious metal and/or chalcophile metal from the leachate.