Method and apparatus for in-situ mining by leaching ores containing metal values

摘要

An oxygenated lixiviant is transported down an injection pipe into the leach zone at the bottom of an injection pipe, the lixiviant leaches the ore and the pregnant lixiviant containing metal compounds is recovered through a recovery pipe. The metal compounds are separated from the lixiviant and the lixiviant is regenerated, reoxygenated and recycled. The pressure of the lixiviant at the downstream end of the injection pipe is substantially equal to the pressure of the lixiviant at the upstream end thereby permitting maximum oxygenation without any degassing.