US3937520A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
In situ mining using bacteria
Assignee: Consolidation Coal Co
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Filing: 1974-02-22
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Granted: 1976-02-10
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Expires: 1994-02-22
Abstract
Abstract Mineral values are recovered in situ by generating a leaching agent in the formation containing the mineral to be recovered.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Sievert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 17:00
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21C; E21C41/00; C; C22; C22B; C22B3/00; C22B3/18; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P10/00; Y02P10/20; Y10; Y10S; Y10S423/00; Y10S423/09; Y10S423/17
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A process for recovering a mineral value from a stratum leachable by a fluid containing a leaching agent comprising: a. injecting into said stratum to contact said mineral value a medium capable of generating a leaching agent in said stratum, said medium consisting essentially of a carrier fluid, a surfactant and a biological agent; b. generating said leaching agent by action of said biological agent in situ in said stratum to produce a leaching agent concentration sufficient to leach the mineral value in said stratum; c. leaching said mineral value with said leaching agent; and d. displacing and recovering said fluid containing leached mineral value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
A process for recovering a mineral value from a stratum leachable by a fluid containing a leaching agent comprising: a. injecting into said stratum to contact said mineral value a medium capable of generating a leaching agent in said stratum, said medium consisting essentially of a carrier fluid, a surfactant and a biological agent; b. generating said leaching agent by action of said biological agent in situ in said stratum to produce a leaching agent concentration sufficient to leach the mineral value in said stratum; c. leaching said mineral value with said leaching agent; and d. displacing and recovering said fluid containing leached mineral value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said biological agent operates on the ferrous-ferric ion cycle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said biological agent is selected from the group consisting of the genera Ferrobacillus and Thiobacillus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said mineral value is uranium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said stratum is a subterranean stratum having at least one injection well for introduction of said fluid and at least one recovery well for recovering said fluid containing leached mineral value, said recovery well being spaced from said injection well.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said medium contains nutrients for said biological agent, and said biological agent is anaerobic bacteria.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-02-09 | 1979-08-11 | 1980-02-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-02-09 | 1983-08-11 | 1984-02-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-02-09 | 1987-08-11 | 1988-02-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |