US4579391A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of electric smelting to matte in situ
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-10-12
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Granted: 1986-04-01
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Expires: 2004-10-12
Abstract
Abstract A method of extraction of metallic sulfides (Matte) from an ore deposit in situ. The contained sulfides are smelted by resistor induced heat creating a matte containing precious metals, including, but not limited to, platinum-group metals and gold and silver (as well as copper, nickel, iron, sulfur, etc). The heavier portion of the bath (matte) settles to the bottom and the slag rises to the top. Further smelting is controlled by positioning of the electrode pairs in the bath, thus regulating heat generation by modulation of the resistance between said electrodes. Placement of the electrodes in cased drill holes strategically placed to intersect and penetrate the ore-bearing horizons results in extraction of the valuable metals as matte. The matte can be recovered either as a liquid, or, after cooling, as a solid.
Inventors
- 👤 William G. Mouat
- 👤 Marvin D. Mouat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 06:56
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2401; E21B36/00; E21B36/04; E21B43/285
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
The process for electric smelting of mineral formations to matte in situ comprising the steps of drilling at least two holes downwardly into a vein of a mineral formation, inserting conducting devices in said holes with the conducting devices being capable of conducting current to mineralized material between the conducting devices, forming a bath of molten material comprising a slag on top and a matte at the bottom, and removing the matte.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
The process for electric smelting of mineral formations to matte in situ comprising the steps of drilling at least two holes downwardly into a vein of a mineral formation, inserting conducting devices in said holes with the conducting devices being capable of conducting current to mineralized material between the conducting devices, forming a bath of molten material comprising a slag on top and a matte at the bottom, and removing the matte.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
89 words
The process as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of drilling at least two holes includes the step of drilling a plurality of intersecting holes into the vein and the step of inserting a conducting device includes the step of inserting an elongated electrically energized carbon rod or other conducting device in each of said holes for conducting current to the surrounding mineral formation in each hole to matte, and introducing, a fluxing material to start or expedite the melting process matte to be collected in a reservoir.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process as defined in claim 2 wherein the step of tapping and removing metals includes the step of providing an access way to the matte, enabling the removal of the matte.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
78 words
The process of recovering matte containing metals such as platinum, palladium, copper and nickel from a vein consisting of the steps of: (a) drilling a plurality of holes downwardly into a subterranean occurrence of mineralized material; (b) inserting electrically energized rod-type conducting apparatus into each hole; (c) energizing the conducting apparatus sufficiently to melt the surrounding mineralized substance to convert the same to a matte and gangue; and (d) removing the matte from the bottom of the melt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
The process of recovering matte containing metals such as platinum, palladium, copper and nickel from a vein consisting of the steps of: (a) drilling a plurality of holes downwardly into a subterranean occurrence of mineralized material; (b) inserting electrically energized rod-type conducting apparatus into each hole; (c) energizing the conducting apparatus sufficiently to melt the surrounding mineralized substance to convert the same to a matte and gangue; and (d) removing the matte from the bottom of the melt.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1989-03-31 | 1989-09-30 | 1990-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-03-31 | 1993-09-30 | 1994-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-03-31 | 1997-09-30 | 1998-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |