US3767543A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for the electrolytic recovery of copper from its sulfide ores
Assignee: Cyprus Mines Corp
•
Filing: 1971-06-28
•
Granted: 1973-10-23
•
Expires: 1991-06-28
Abstract
Abstract An improvement in the ferric chloride leach recovery of copper from its sulfide ores which comprises recovery of the copper from the leach solution after removal of sulfur by electrolysis rather than by conventional cementation with added iron.
Inventors
- 👤 W Hazen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:52
CPC Classifications
C; C22; C22B; C22B3/00; C22B3/04; C22B3/06; C22B3/10; C25; C25C; C25C1/00; C25C1/12; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 in which the ferric chloride is recovered at the anode and is recycled to step (a).
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 in which iron in solution is recovered in a second electrolysis at the cathode and ferric chloride is recovered at the anode and recycled to step (a).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 1 in which the pH of the leach solution subjected to electrolysis is maintained at about 2.3 or below.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 1 in which the iron content of the leach solution subjected to electrolysis is up to about 180 grams per liter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The process of claim 1 in which a cathode current density below about 20 asf is used for the electrolysis of copper to produce a coherent deposit on the cathode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 in which a cathode current density in excess of about 70 asf is used in the electrolysis of copper to provide a spongy deposit on the cathode.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-22 | 1977-04-23 | 1977-10-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-22 | 1981-04-23 | 1981-10-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-22 | 1985-04-23 | 1985-10-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |