GB342293A - Process for obtaining metals from bituminous ores - Google Patents

Abstract

In obtaining metals from bituminous ores the ore is heated with exclusion of air whereby the bitumen is distilled and may be recovered in the form of gas and oils, whereupon the residue is concentrated on high-speed percussion tables, or by colloid concentration. The ores, preferably finely granulated, are treated at a temperature of about 500 DEG C., i.e. slightly above normal low temperature distillation but the temperature may be raised to above 600 DEG C. but kept below the normal reduction temperature to liberate wholly or mainly the metals from the compounds in the ore. The heating may be carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as gypsum. The concentrates may be p further treated in the anodic chambers of an electrolytic bath. Containers for the concentrate to be treated are formed by dividing the bath by porous plates and suspending the cathodes in the containers. Electrolytic copper may be obtained directly from the concentrate. If metal first obtained is impure, the various metals may be separated in succession by electrolysis. In an example, Manfeld copper shale reduced to grains of 3 to 4 mm. and distilled at 600 DEG -700 DEG C. yields fine threads of pure metal. Silver, lead, and iron are similarly obtained; the zinc ore remains unchanged as sulphide. The metals, oxides, and sulphides are separated on percussion tables.