heap leaching
Quick Summary
Heap leaching is an industrial process used in mining to extract metals from crushed ore. In this method, a solution, often containing sodium cyanide, is percolated through a large pile of ore. This solution selectively dissolves the desired metals, a process known as leaching. The metal-laden solution is then collected and processed further to recover the metals. This technique is particularly useful for ores of semilow grade, which are too valuable to leave in the ground but not rich enough for more intensive treatment methods.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
gold processingCyanidation…extracting gold from low-grade ores, heap leaching is practiced. The huge heaps described above are sprayed with a dilute solution of sodium cyanide, and this percolates down through the piled ore, dissolving the gold.
Read More…extracting gold from low-grade ores, heap leaching is practiced. The huge heaps described above are sprayed with a dilute solution of sodium cyanide, and this percolates down through the piled ore, dissolving the gold.
Read More
miningUnit operations…metals (a process known as heap leaching or dump leaching).
Read More…metals (a process known as heap leaching or dump leaching).
Read More
metallurgyLeachingHeap leaching is done on ores of semilow grade—that is, high enough to be brought to the surface for treatment. This method is increasing in popularity as larger tonnages of semilow-grade ore are mined. The ore is piled in heaps on pads and sprayed with…
Read MoreHeap leaching is done on ores of semilow grade—that is, high enough to be brought to the surface for treatment. This method is increasing in popularity as larger tonnages of semilow-grade ore are mined. The ore is piled in heaps on pads and sprayed with…
Read More