Templar technology

Abstract

A hydrometallurgical apparatus and method for direct leaching of copper, gold, and silver sulfide and oxide minerals of intermediate particle size, called Templar Technology, is disclosed. It comprises a closed reactor equipped with an agitation and transport mechanism using an internal shaftless helical screw with a spiral of 35 to 50 mm structural thickness, arranged concentrically within a cylinder with an anti-corrosive and anti-slip lining inert to chloride-oxidizing media. The reactor is hermetically interconnected in its upper section to a system for the condensation, capture, and continuous recirculation of gaseous phases by means of pure oxygen injection to induce premature oxidation of the mineral, guiding the gases to a horizontal condenser with an inverted asymmetric return of condensed liquid gases into the reactor.The method comprises the activation, desliming, and mixing of the ore in a controlled, closed-circuit grinding system to a cut size of between 200 and 400 µm, with 300 µm being the target. A hydro-desilter and a deep-cone settler are coupled to self-regulate a feed pulp moisture content of between 22% and 25%, which is then fed into a reactor loading hopper. There, sodium chloride, sulfuric acid, and optionally additional oxidizing agents are dosed in a fractional and sequential manner. The method includes a subsequent stage of agglomeration and static chemical curing in heaps with a resting period of 15 to 60 days for sulfides and 1 to 15 days for oxides.After settling, the material is washed and repulped with acid raffinate to a solids density of 30% to 40% in agitators with controlled residence times of up to 120 minutes. The pulp is then sent to a classifier system coupled with hydrocyclones, where the coarse sand fraction of the underflow is discharged semi-dry, and the fine slime fraction of the overflow feeds a clarifier to obtain a solids-free, rich solution (PLS). The thick underflow is then directed to a filter press for the recovery of any remaining impregnated PLS. This system eliminates froth flotation circuits, reduces energy consumption in milling, and optimizes mass transfer by eliminating losses due to passivation.