acid leaching
Quick Summary
Acid leaching is a process within hydrometallurgy where metallic compounds are selectively dissolved from an ore using an aqueous solvent, often an acid like sulfuric acid. This method is employed to extract valuable metals from low-grade ores, such as copper and uranium, by converting them into more soluble forms.12
Leaching can be performed at ambient temperature and pressure or under increased pressure and temperature to speed up the process. For ores too deep or low-grade for surface treatment, in-situ leaching circulates a solution through the ore body underground. Heap leaching is used for semilow-grade ores piled on pads, while higher-grade ores are treated in tanks, either in large batches or by agitation. This industrial process is crucial for metal extraction and refining.1
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