Compositions and methods for leaching high-value metals

Abstract

Recyclable, non-toxic solvent leach compositions and methods for leaching and extracting a high-value metal, in particular platinum group metals (PGMs), copper, gold, and silver, are described. The leach composition comprising: a. a solvent; b. an oxidizing agent; and c. a halogen salt. The methods can include preparing the solvent leach composition, adding high-value metal-source material to the solvent leach composition, and agitating to leach the high value metal from the source material. Agitation may be performed for several hours to days at relatively low temperature. After leaching, filtration can be performed to separate the solvent- soluble high-value metals from insoluble residues. The method can further include refinement of the high-value metal and purification of the solvent. Purified solvent can be recycled / reused in methods described herein.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR LEACHING HIGH-VALUE METALSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled “METHOD FOR EXTRACTING COPPER” having serial no. 63 / 436,102 filed December 29, 2022 and co-pending U.S. provisional application “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR LEACHING PRECIOUS METALS” having serial no. 63 / 462,485 filed April 27, 2023, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to metallurgical recycling, and in particular to compositions and methods for leaching and recovering high value metals from a variety of sources.BACKGROUND

[0003] High-value metals such as gold, silver, copper, and the platinum group metals (PGMs) hold immense economic, technological, and political significance. Economically, these metals play a vital role in global trade and finance. Gold, often viewed as a store of value, influences international currency markets and is held as a reserve asset by central banks. The PGMs, particularly platinum and palladium, are essential in catalytic converters, which help reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, contributing to the automotive industry's sustainability. Silver is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including electronics and solar panels. Copper is a critical component in infrastructure development, electrical wiring, and renewable energy technologies.

[0004] High intrinsic value and technological importance combined with their scarcity in the Earth’s crust, makes the high-value metals politically significant. The availability and control of these metals can impact geopolitical relationships. Nations with significant reserves of precious metals often hold strategic advantages in trade negotiations and can influence global markets. Additionally, the extraction and trade of these metals can be a source of political tensions, as disputes over mining rights and environmental regulations arise. Overall, the economic, technological, and political importance of these high-value metals underscores their critical role in shaping the modern world.

[0005] Based on these economical, technological, and geopolitical implications, extraction of high- value metals from mining concentrates and tailings and high value metal recycling from end-of-life materials are of great importance globally. As more strict environmental regulations are being implemented around the world, the demand for sustainable production of these high value metals has been increasing significantly to meet the new environmental policies.

[0006] Current approaches for extracting high-value metals such as precious metals involve a diverse array of techniques tailored to different sources and metal types. Hydrometallurgical processes are widely used, employing aqueous solutions and chemicals to dissolve and recover precious metals. For example, cyanidation is a common method for extracting gold and silver from ores and concentrates. This process involves the use of a cyanide solution to dissolve the precious metals, which can then be precipitated and refined.

[0007] Pyrometallurgical processes, on the other hand, rely on high-temperature methods to separate metals from ores or concentrates. Smelting is a prominent example, wherein the ore is heated to high temperatures, allowing the metals to melt and separate from impurities. This method is often used for gold, silver, and base metals like copper.

[0008] Ion-exchange and solvent extraction methods play a crucial role in metal recovery. They use selective resins or solvents to separate and recover metals from solution after leaching or otherchemical processes. Electrowinning and electrorefining are electrochemical processes that allow for the extraction and purification of metals like gold, silver, and copper from solution or impure sources.

[0009] When discussing metals like copper, which are valuable but not traditionally considered "precious metals," the extraction methods are similar but serve different industrial purposes. Copper is primarily obtained through hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes. Heap leaching and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) are commonly used for copper extraction. Heap leaching involves placing ore on a lined pad and irrigating it with a leaching solution to dissolve the copper, while SX-EW is used to refine the copper-rich solution obtained from heap leaching. Nowadays, copper mining pits are getting deeper, and high-grade copper ores (usually oxide ores) are rarer, the presence of low-grade ores (usually sulphide ores) is notable, and recycling copper from end-of-life materials, such as electronic waste is becoming more important.

[0010] Despite these various extraction methods, numerous challenges persist in the industry. Conventional methods to extract high value metals from primary or secondary sources used strong acids (e.g., HC1, HNO3) and / or toxic organic compounds (e.g., cyanides) and high temperature (e.g., >100 °C) to leach and extract high value metals (see United States Patent No. 11427886, European Patent No. 1501952 and Chinese Patent Publication No. 112280983). Capital intensity, high operating costs and strict environmental regulations limit the implementation of conventional metallurgical processing options, particularly smelter-based operations in the extraction of high value metals. One of the most significant challenges for some of these high-value metals is declining ore grades, which require more extensive processing and result in higher costs.Additionally, managing electronic waste (e-waste) poses a complex challenge, as it contains a mix of materials and components that need to be separated and processed for metal recovery. Furthermore, traditional methods like cyanidation can have adverse environmental impacts, leading to concerns about soil and water contamination. High energy consumption is another issue, contributing to both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] Technological innovation is key to addressing these challenges. Researchers and companies are continuously exploring more efficient and sustainable extraction methods. Economic factors, such as fluctuating metal prices and market dynamics, also influence investment decisions in the mining and metallurgical sector. Moreover, complying with stringent environmental and social regulations adds complexity to operations. Continued research, innovation, and sustainable practices are needed to overcome these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of metal extraction processes.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides leach compositions and methods of using the leach compositions to leach and extract various high-value metals The leach compositons and methods described in the present disclosure overcome many of the deficiencies with prior approaches, for example they provide higher overall recovery efficiency, with lower energy input, and with less use of eniromentally unfavorable chemicals.

[0013] In various aspects, the disclosure provides leach compositions for leaching a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material. The leach composition can include a solvent; an oxidizing agent; and a halogen salt; wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, the ether, the ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from a Cl- C5 alkyl, a hydroxy group, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The leach composition can include a ligand.

[0015] In some aspects, the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In some aspects, the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof; and the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and combinations thereof.

[0017] In further aspects, the disclosure provides methods of extracting a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material. The method can include contacting the high-value metal source material with a leach composition according to any one of claims 90-153 for a first period of time to form a high-value metal slurry; filtering the high-value metal slurry to remove impurities from the high-value metal slurry that are insoluble in the leach composition to form a pregnant solution; and extracting the high value metal from the pregnant solution, thereby forming a spent leach composition.

[0018] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of leach compositions and methods will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Further aspects of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated upon review of the detailed description, described below, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0020] FIG. 1 is flow chart of a leaching process for high-value metals according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an extraction process for high-value metals according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 3A-3C are graphs of time-dependent dissolution of the high-value metals platinum (FIG. 3A), palladium (FIG. 3B), and rhodium (FIG. 3C) plotted as the amount of dissolved metal (PPM) in the lixiviant solution as a function of time (hours) for the disclosed methods and compositions as compared to using aqua regia as the lixiviant.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a bar graph of the amount of platinum recovered (Pt Recovery %) and the amount of oxidant used in the leach composition (oxidant weight %) for examples of leaching platinum according to the disclosed methods and compositions.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an in-site halogen gas production for use in an extraction process for high-value metals according to certain aspects of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The challenges in metallurgical recycling often revolve around the need for efficient separation, the management of impurities, environmental considerations, and the development ofcost-effective and sustainable recycling processes. Addressing these challenges is critical for maximizing the recovery of valuable metals while minimizing environmental impacts.

[0026] Sources of high-value metals are varied and numerous, from ore deposits to electronic waste, to catalyst waste and other types of industrial waste streams and from photovoltaic cells and printed circuit boards to mining tailings. The complexities can include managing varying grades of source material and often in complex mixtures of components and including hazardous materials, the demands for greater separation and energy efficiency, and the need for environmentally friendly approaches have proven challenging for existing methods to overcome.

[0027] In various aspects, the disclosure provides leach compositions for leaching a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material. The leach composition can include a solvent; an oxidizing agent; and a halogen salt; wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, the ether, the ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from a Cl- C5 alkyl, a hydroxy group, and combinations thereof.

[0028] The leach composition can include a ligand.

[0029] In some aspects, the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

[0030] In some aspects, the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof; and the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and combinations thereof.

[0031] In further aspects, the disclosure provides methods of extracting a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material. The method can include contacting the high-value metal source material with a leach composition according to any one of claims 90-153 for a first period of time to form a high-value metal slurry; filtering the high-value metal slurry to remove impurities from the high-value metal slurry that are insoluble in the leach composition to form a pregnant solution; and extracting the high value metal from the pregnant solution, thereby forming a spent leach composition.

[0032] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. Functions or constructions well-known in the art may not be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity. Aspects of the present disclosure will employ, unless otherwise indicated, techniques of metallurgy and the like, which are within the skill of the art. Such techniques are explained fully in the literature.

[0033] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and subrange is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, but also include individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the indicated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of thelimits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g., the phrase “x to y” includes the range from ‘x’ to ‘y’ as well as the range greater than ‘x’ and the range less than ‘y’. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit e.g., ‘about x, y, z, or less’ and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of Tess than x’, less than y’, and Tess than z’. Likewise, the phrase ‘about x, y, z, or greater’ should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘greater than x’, greater than y’, and ‘greater than z’. In some aspects, the term “about” can include traditional rounding according to significant figures of the numerical value. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’”, where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are numerical values, includes “about ‘x’ to about ‘y’”.

[0034] The disclosure has been organized with aide of various section headings, which are used for convenience and readability, and should not be construed in any way as limiting the disclosure or the scope of the claims. The claims may, in some instances, incorporate aspects that fall under different section headings and such combinations of aspects are understood to be encompassed by the instant disclosure.

[0035] The disclosure will be better understood with the aid of certain definitions and prescribed methods, which are described in detail in the sections entitled Definitions and Methods. Other terms and methods may be described elsewhere in the disclosure, including in the Examples, and yet others will be understood by those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure provided herein. All definitions and methods described herein should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.High-Value Metal Source Materials

[0036] In various aspects, the methods and leach compositions described herein are useful for leaching or extracting high-value metals from a high-value metal source material. Source materials for high-value metals can in principal include any material that contains high-value metals.

[0037] The high-value metal source material can include ore deposits, electronic waste (E-Waste), industrial waste, catalytic converters, battery waste, waste from photovoltaic solar panels, printed circuit boards (PCBs), mining concentrates, or mining tailings. Each source material presents unique challenges in recovering high-value metals, with considerations related to scale, costs, complexity, and environmental concerns. The methods and compositions described herein can enable the efficient extraction of these valuable metals while addressing environmental and economic sustainability.Ore Deposits

[0038] The source material can include ore deposits. Ore deposits are primary sources for high-value metals like gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium. These deposits vary widely in terms of metal concentrations and ore grades. High-value metals, including copper, gold, silver, and the platinum group metals (PGMs), are typically mined from various types of ore deposits and geological settings.

[0039] Major mining operations extract significant volumes of ore, ranging from thousands to millions of tons annually while smaller operations can process . In some aspects, the methods include processing ore deposits ranging from 500 tons to 5 million tons of ore per day, from 500 tons to 500,000 tons of ore per day, from 500 tons to 100,000 tons or ore per day, from 500 tons to 50,000 tons of ore per day, or from 500 tons to 5,000 tons of ore per day.Ore Types

[0040] Ore types can often be characterized based on the chemical composition. Each type of ore presents its unique set of challenges and opportunities for metal extraction, with factors like ore composition, economic viability, and environmental considerations influencing the choice of extraction method.Oxide Ores

[0041] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include an oxide ore. Oxide ores typically contain high-value metals like copper and occasionally gold and silver. Copper oxide ores, such as malachite and cuprite, are commonly found. Other common metals include aluminum, iron, tin, and chromium. Oxide ores are relatively abundant and can be found worldwide. Bauxite, an aluminum oxide ore, is often found in tropical regions, while hematite, an iron oxide, is widespread. The conventional extraction of high-value metals from oxide ores involves methods like smelting, leaching, or solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW). Challenges for conventional approaches can include impurities in the ore, energy-intensive processes, and environmental concerns related to waste disposal and emissions.Sulfide Ores

[0042] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include a sulfide ore. Sulfide ores are known for containing valuable metals such as copper, gold, silver, and occasionally PGMs like platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium. In addition to these high-value metals, sulfide ores often include base metals like lead, zinc, and nickel. Copper sulfide ores, particularly chalcopyrite, are common. Sulfide ores are abundant globally and found in various geological settings. Chalcopyrite, for instance, is found in multiple countries. Conventional extraction methods for sulfide ores include froth flotation, smelting, and hydrometallurgical processes. Challenges for conventional methods encompass the need for selective flotation due to similar sulfide minerals, refractory ore characteristics, sulfur emissions, and environmental impacts.Chromite Ores

[0043] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include a chromite ore. Chromite ores primarily contain chromium, a high-value metal critical in various industries. Iron and PGMs may also be present in some chromite deposits. Chromite ores are relatively abundant but primarily used for chromium extraction. They are often associated with layered intrusions in igneous rocks. The primary conventional extraction method for chromium is reduction, typically employing the alumino-thermic process. High energy requirements and environmental concerns regarding hexavalent chromium compounds are key challenges in this approach to processing chromite ores.Carbonate Ores

[0044] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include a carbonate ore. Carbonate ores, while less common than oxide or sulfide ores, can contain high-value metals like copper. These ores can also include metals such as iron and other elements. Carbonate ores are typically found in sedimentary environments. Smelting and other extraction methods are conventionally utilized for metal recovery. Challenges with these conventional approaches to carbonate ores can arise from impurities and complex mineral compositions.Silicate Ores

[0045] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include a silicate ore. Silicate ores can contain high-value metals like lithium, crucial for lithium-ion batteries, as well as common elements like iron. These ores are less common but are used for specific metals such as lithium. Silicate ores are associated with igneous or metamorphic rocks. Conventional lithium extraction involves acid leaching and evaporation processes. Challenges in this convention processing of silicate ores can include impurities and complex mineralogy, necessitating specialized extraction methods.Phosphate Ores

[0046] In some aspects, the high-value metal source can include a phosphate ore. Phosphate ores primarily contain phosphorus, and while not high-value metals, phosphorus is essential for fertilizer production. Phosphate ores are relatively common and are primarily found in sedimentary environments. Conventional extraction methods involve chemical processing to produce phosphoricacid and fertilizers. A significant challenge in phosphate ore processing is environmental concerns related to phosphate runoff, which can lead to water pollution.Ore Grades

[0047] Ore grades can be used to refer to the concentration of valuable metals within the ore. Ore grades for precious metals like silver and gold and for platinum group metals are typically expressed in grams per ton (g / t) or ounces per ton (oz / ton). For high-value main group metals like copper, the ore grades are often expressed in a percentage, which is a weight percentage of the main group metal as compared to the weight of the ore. Depending on the quality of the source, the ore grades for high-value metals can vary significantly.

[0048] Ore grades for gold can, in some aspects, range from less than 1 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 5 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing gold will be said to be high-grade when the gold is present in the ore in an amount greater than 5 g / t, e.g. up to about 20 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing gold will be said to be low-grade when the gold is present in the ore in an amount of about 1 g / t or less.

[0049] Ore grades for silver can, in some aspects, range from less than 30 gram per ton (g / t) to more thanl 50 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing silver will be said to be high-grade when the silver is present in the ore in an amount greater than 150 g / t, e.g. up to about 500 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing silver will be said to be low-grade when the silver is present in the ore in an amount of about 30 g / t or less.

[0050] Ore grades for copper can, in some aspects, range from less than 0.5% to more than 3%. As used herein, an ore containing copper will be said to be high-grade when the copper is present in the ore in an amount greater than 2%, e.g. up to about 8% or more. As used herein, an ore containing copper will be said to be low-grade when the copper is present in the ore in an amount of about 0.5%, or 0.1%, or less.

[0051] Ore grades for platinum can, in some aspects, range from less than 2 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 10 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing platinum will be said to be high-grade when the platinum is present in the ore in an amount greater than 10 g / t, e.g. up to about 100 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing platinum will be said to be low-grade when the platinum is present in the ore in an amount of about 2 g / t, about 1 g / t, or less.

[0052] Ore grades for palladium can, in some aspects, range from less than 1 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 5 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing palladium will be said to be high-grade when the palladium is present in the ore in an amount greater than 5 g / t, e.g. up to about 50 g / t, 100 g / t, or more. As used herein, an ore containing palladium will be said to be low-grade when the palladium is present in the ore in an amount of about 1 g / t, about 0.5 g / t, or less.

[0053] Rhodium ore is exceptionally rare, and as such, there are limited sources of information on its typical concentrations in different ore grades. Rhodium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades for rhodium can, in some aspects, range from less than 0.2 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing rhodium will be said to be highgrade when the rhodium is present in the ore in an amount greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, e.g. up to about 1.5 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing rhodium will be said to be low-grade when the rhodium is present in the ore in an amount of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0054] Ruthenium ore is exceptionally rare, and as such, there are limited sources of information on its typical concentrations in different ore grades. Ruthenium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades for ruthenium can, in some aspects, range from less than 0.2 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing ruthenium will be said to be high-grade when the ruthenium is present in the ore in an amount greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, e.g. up to about 1.5 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing ruthenium will be said to be low-grade when the ruthenium is present in the ore in an amount of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0055] Iridium ore is exceptionally rare, and as such, there are limited sources of information on its typical concentrations in different ore grades. Iridium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades for iridium can, in some aspects, range from less than 0.2 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing iridium will be said to be highgrade when the iridium is present in the ore in an amount greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, e.g. up to about 1.5 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing iridium will be said to be low-grade when the iridium is present in the ore in an amount of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0056] Selenium ore is exceptionally rare, and as such, there are limited sources of information on its typical concentrations in different ore grades. Selenium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades for selenium can, in some aspects, range from less than 0.2 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, an ore containing selenium will be said to be high-grade when the selenium is present in the ore in an amount greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, e.g. up to about 1.5 g / t or more. As used herein, an ore containing selenium will be said to be low-grade when the selenium is present in the ore in an amount of about 0.5 g / t or less.Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

[0057] Electronic waste, such as discarded computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices, is a growing source of high-value metals, including gold, silver, copper, and palladium. With the proliferation of electronic devices, e-waste volumes are substantial, amounting to millions of tons annually worldwide. Challenges in e-waste recycling include the complex mix of materials, hazardous substances, and the need for efficient separation techniques due to the diversity of electronic components. Conventional recovery methods encompass shredding, sorting, crushing, gravity separation, and various hydrometallurgical processes designed to extract valuable metals from e-waste streams.

[0058] Gold concentrations in e-waste typically range from 0.1 to 1.5 grams per ton (g / t). This range covers various electronic devices, including circuit boards, connectors, and memory chips. High-end devices like computer motherboards tend to have higher gold content. Silver is commonly found in e-waste, with concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 g / t. It is present in various components, including connectors, switches, and some printed circuit boards. Copper is one of the most abundant metals in e-waste. Its concentrations can range from 10% to 30% by weight in some components, such as wires and connectors. Palladium is a valuable metal found in e-waste, primarily in ceramic capacitors and some electronic components. Its concentrations typically range from 1 to 5 g / t.Industrial Waste (Including Catalysts)

[0059] Industrial waste, which can contain high-value metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, and silver, is generated across various industries. Production volumes of industrial waste vary significantly by industry and location. In some aspects, the industrial waste includes catalytic converters from automobiles. In other aspects, the industrial waste includes catalysts from industrial waste streams. Challenges in industrial waste recycling include identifying and isolating valuable metals within mixed waste, handling hazardous materials, and ensuring efficient recovery. Recovery methods may involve hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical processes, depending on the specific metals and waste characteristics.

[0060] Platinum is often found in industrial waste in trace amounts, typically ranging from 5 parts per billion (ppb) to 5 parts per million (ppm). It is associated with various industrial catalysts and can be recovered from waste streams generated by industries like petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing. Palladium concentrations in industrial waste can vary from 5 ppb to 50 ppm. It is commonly used in catalytic converters in the automotive industry, and waste from automotive manufacturing and repair processes may contain higher concentrations of palladium. Rhodium is relatively rare in industrial waste and is typically found in trace amounts, often in the 5 ppb to 1 ppm range. It is used in catalytic converters and certain chemical processes. Gold concentrations in industrial waste can vary widely depending on the specific industry. In electronics manufacturingwaste, gold can be found in the range of 0.1 to 1 g / t or even higher. In other industrial waste streams, gold may be present in lower concentrations, typically ranging from 5 ppb to 5 ppm. Silver is used in various industrial applications, and its concentrations in waste can vary. In some industrial processes, silver waste may contain concentrations in the range of 1 to 10 g / t. In other cases, it may be present in lower concentrations, from 5 ppb to 5 ppm.Mining Concentrates and Mining Tailings:

[0001] Mining concentrates are the valuable portions of mined ore that have undergone processing to remove unwanted materials, leaving a concentrated product rich in desired minerals or metals. The goal of ore processing is to separate valuable minerals from the ore matrix, which often contains a mixture of minerals and gangue (unwanted material). The process of creating mining concentrates involves various techniques, such as crushing, grinding, gravity separation, flotation, and magnetic separation. These processes are used to concentrate the valuable minerals, resulting in a product that contains a significantly higher percentage of the target metals or minerals. Concentrations of high-value metals in mining concentrates can be quite high.

[0061] Mining tailings, waste materials left over from mining operations, can still contain high-value metals like gold, silver, copper, and sometimes platinum group metals (PGMs). Tailings volumes depend on the scale of mining operations. Challenges include reprocessing tailings to recover metals, addressing environmental issues, and developing cost-effective methods. Recovery methods vary but may include gravity separation, flotation, and hydrometallurgical processes adapted to the specific tailings composition.

[0062] The concentration ranges of gold, silver, copper, and platinum group metals (PGMs) found in mining tailings can vary significantly depending on the type of ore that was processed, the extraction methods used, and the specific mineral composition of the tailings. In some aspects, tailings from gold and silver mining operations can contain relatively high concentrations of gold or silver, ranging from a 2 grams per ton (g / t) to 10 g / t. However, in tailings from base metal or other nongold and non-silver mining operations, gold and silver concentrations are typically much lower, often in the range of 1 g / t or less. In tailings from copper mining operations, copper concentrations can range from 10% on or higher and down to around 0.5% or lower. PGM concentrations in mining tailings can vary significantly based on the specific ore and mining method. In some cases, tailings from PGM mining operations may contain higher PGM concentrations, with individual PGMs like platinum, palladium, and rhodium ranging from a few g / t to over 10 g / t.Leach Compositions

[0063] In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to a solvent leach composition comprising at least one solvent, at least one oxidizing agent, and at least one halogen salt. In some aspects, the solvent leach composition further comprises at least one ligand. The disclosed solvent leach compositions are useful in the disclosed methods and processes to extract high value metals from high value metal material using the disclosed leaching methods. In a further aspect, the solvent or solvents in the solvent leach composition comprise a green (non-toxic and biodegradable), nonaqueous solvent. In a still further aspect, the disclosed solvent leach composition maximizes the solubility of the leached high value metals, including, but not limited, to PGMs, copper, gold, and silver.

[0064] It is believed, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, that the oxidizing agent(s) in the solvent leach composition react with the halogen salts present in same, and that an in situ oxidation occurs and as a result halogen compounds are formed, at least in part, that act as strong oxidizing agents for high value metals in the high value metal material used in the disclosed methods.

[0065] In a further aspect, the present disclosure pertains to disclosed stable solvent leach compositions comprising a disclosed solvent leach composition, wherein the pH of the solvent leach composition is adjusted to a pH value greater than about 5, thereby providing the stable solvent leachcomposition. In a still further aspect, the pH of the solvent leach composition is adjusted to a pH from about 5 to about 12. In a yet further aspect, the pH of the solvent leach composition is adjusted to a pH from about 5 to about 10. In an even further aspect, the pH of the solvent leach composition is adjusted to a pH from about 5 to about 8. In a still further aspect, the pH of the solvent leach composition is adjusted to a pH from about 5 to about 7.Oxidizing agent

[0066] In a further aspect, the oxidizing agent include, but is not limited, to ozone, chlorine, bromine, a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, hydrogen peroxide, a chlorate salt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt, an organic peroxyacid, a superoxide, a peroxide-superoxide, an organic peroxyacid (and a salt thereof), a peroxyhydrate, a water-soluble organic peroxide, a nitrosodisulfonate, a hypochlorite, a hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, a chloroamine, a chloroamide, a chlorosulfamide, a bromoamine, a bromoamide, a bromosulfamide, a chlorosulfonic acid, a bromosulfonic acid, an inorganic oxidizing agent, and combinations thereof.

[0067] In a further aspect, the oxidizing agent include, but is not limited, to chlorine, bromine, a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, hydrogen peroxide, a chlorate salt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt, and combinations thereof. In a still further aspect, the oxidizing agent is selected from lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof. In a yet further aspect, the oxidizing agent is a lithium salt. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, in some instances, a lithium salt can be used due to the relatively small ionic radius lithium, and accordingly, the greater solubility of lithium in a disclosed solvent. In an even further aspect, the oxidizing agent is selected from sodium bromate, potassium bromate, and combinations thereof. In a still further aspect, the oxidizing agent can be an alkaline salt such as a calcium salt, e.g., calcium bromate. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, in some instances, an oxidizing agent that is a calcium salt is believed to be able to precipitate from the solvent leach composition while bonding with impurities that are obtained in the disclosed methods.

[0068] In a further aspect, the oxidizing agent can include, but is not limited to, an organic peroxyacid, a superoxide, a peroxide-superoxide, an organic peroxyacid (and a salt thereof), a peroxyhydrate, a water-soluble organic peroxide, a nitrosodisulfonate, a hypochlorite, a hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, a chloroamine, a chloroamide, a chlorosulfamide, a bromoamine, a bromoamide, a bromosulfamide, a chlorosulfonic acid, a bromosulfonic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0069] In a further aspect, oxidizing agent can include one or more inorganic oxidizing agents. In a still further aspect, the inorganic oxidizing is an inorganic peroxide (or salt thereof), an inorganic peroxyacid (or salt thereof), and combinations thereof.

[0070] In a further aspect, the oxidizing agent can include one or more acids...

[0071] In a further aspect, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leach composition at a concentration from about 0.01 grams / liter to about 250 grams / liter based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition. In a still further aspect, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leach composition at a concentration from about 0.1 grams / liter to about 100 grams / liter based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition. In a yet further aspect, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leach composition at a concentration from about 2 grams / liter to about 20 grams / liter based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition.Halogen salt

[0072] In a further aspect, the halogen salt is an alkali metal bromide salt, an alkali chloride salt, an alkaline earth bromide salt, an alkaline earth chloride salt, and combinations thereof. In a still further aspect, the halogen salt is selected from an alkali metal bromide salt, an alkali chloride salt, and combinations thereof. In a yet further aspect, the halogen salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof. In an even further aspect, the halogen salt comprises a first halogen salt comprising calciumcation and a halide anion and optionally a second halogen salt selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof. In a yet further aspect, the halogen salt comprises a halogen salt comprising a calcium cation and a halide anion, e.g., calcium bromide or calcium chloride. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, as discussed elsewhere, there are instances where a calcium halogen salt, used alone or in combination with another halogen salt, can be useful to precipitate from the reaction impurities that form using the disclosed methods. Further, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, a calcium salt can react with impurities such as sulfides formed using the disclosed methods with a high value metal material and / or if mineral acids are used in the disclosed method, e.g., sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid) used as a further reagent in the disclosed methods. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that cations having a smaller ionic radius, e.g., lithium cations, smaller size cations, such as lithium can have higher solubility in the solvent of the solvent leach composition. In some instances, if a halogen salt comprising a cation which forms an insoluble salt is used, then it may be desirable to use a cation that can be essentially precipitated completely from reaction mixture of the disclosed methods, e.g., a calcium salt. The anion in the halogen salt can be selected to also have a size appropriate to the cation used. For example, the smaller halide anion such as a bromide and chloride can be used when the cation is lithium.

[0073] In a further aspect, the amount of the halogen salt in the solvent leach composition is sufficient to solubilize high value metal halide complexes from the high value metal material used in the disclosed method, as well as maintain a ORP sufficiently high to maintain the high value metal obtained from the high value metal material in an ionic form in the reaction mixture. In a still further aspect, the halogen salt is present in an amount from about 0.01 M to about 2.0 M based on the volume of the solvent leach composition. In a yet further aspect, the halogen salt is present in an amount from about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M based on the volume of the solvent leach composition. In an even further aspect, the halogen salt is present in an amount from about 0.2 M to about 0.5 M based on the volume of the solvent leach composition.Solvent

[0074] In a further aspect, the disclosed leach composition comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from a Cl- C5 alkyl, a hydroxy group, and combinations thereof.

[0075] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises one or more alcohol-based and ether-based solvents, e.g., including, but not limited, to 3 -methoxy-3 -methyl- 1 -butanol or MMB. In a yet further aspect, the at least one solvent comprises a Cl -CIO alkyl compound comprising at least one hydroxy group and / or at least one ether moiety. In a yet further aspect, the at least one solvent comprises an alcohol-based solvent such as ethanol, methanol; glycol group alcohols; and combinations thereof.

[0076] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

[0077] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, and combinations thereof.

[0078] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

[0079] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

[0080] In a further aspect, the solvent does not comprise water.

[0081] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1- C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3- (C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl- C1O alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2- (C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=0)-0-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0082] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof;wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0083] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0084] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0085] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0086] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0087] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0088] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groupindependently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0089] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0090] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0091] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- O-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0092] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0093] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0094] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a from a structure represented by a formula:combinations thereof.

[0095] In a further aspect, the solvent is a compound having a structure represented by a formula:combinations thereof.

[0096] In a further aspect, the solvent is 3-methoxy-3-methyl-l -butanol or MMB, i.e., a compound having a structure represented by a formula:

[0097] In a further aspect, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 200 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol. In a still further aspect, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 600 g / mol to about 4,000 g / mol. In a yet further aspect, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol. In an even further aspect, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,500 g / mol to about 2,500 g / mol. In a still further aspect, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,900 g / mol to about 2,100 g / mol. In a further aspect, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods. In this context, it is understood that a material or compound, such as a solvent, capable of effecting a chemical or physical process, such as dissolution of a material, refers to appropriate selection of the identified material or compound, such as a solvent or combination of solvents, such that it can provide the requisite chemical and / or physical properties to carry out the indicated process, such as dissolution. In a still further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one high value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In an even further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods. In a further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of both effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and effecting dissolution of at least one high value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In a still further aspect, the solvent is capable of both effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of both effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and effecting dissolution of at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, effecting dissolution of at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, and effecting dissolution of at least one high value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, effecting dissolution of at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, and effecting dissolution of at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, effecting dissolution of at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods, and effecting dissolution of at least one high value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In a yet further aspect, the solvent is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, effecting dissolution of at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, effecting dissolution of at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods, and effecting dissolution of at least one high value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In a further aspect, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, is capable of effecting both the solubility, i.e., dissolution, and the stability of various components used in or formed in the disclosed methods. For example, in a still further aspect, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, is capable of effecting dissolution of at least one oxidizing agent in the method, at least one halide salt in the method, and / or one or more high value metal obtained, as well as effecting the stability of various reagents or materials in course of carrying out the disclosed methods, e.g., stability of at least one oxidizing agent in the method, at least one halide salt in the method, and / or one or more high value metal obtained. In some instances, thesolvent, or mixture of solvents, can particularly facilitate the in situ and gradual formation of effective oxidation reaction conditions. The disclosed solvent leach compositions, accordingly, provide for improved control of the oxidizing agent and overall oxidation reaction, which in turn allows the disclosed methods to minimize chemical consumption to reducing the overall cost of leaching a high value metal from a high value metal material.

[0098] In a further aspect, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, is not reactive with other reagents, e.g., oxidizing agent and / or halide salts, used in the disclosed methods, and essentially acts as a medium for dissolution of reagents and high value metals.

[0099] In a further aspect, the solvent further comprises water. In a still further aspect, water concentration can be in the range from about 1 wt% to about 99 wt% based on the total solvent mass with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of a disclosed solvent such as an alcohol- based or an ether-based solvent. In a yet further aspect, water concentration can be in the range from about 40 wt% to about 70 wt% based on the total solvent mass with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of a disclosed solvent such as an alcohol-based or an ether-based solvent. In an even further aspect, water concentration can be in the range from about 45 wt% to about 55 wt% based on the total solvent mass with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of a disclosed solvent such as an alcohol-based or an ether-based solvent. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that using water in the solvent mixture in some instances can decrease the material and operational costs associated with the leaching process.

[0100] In a further aspect, depending on the high value metal-containing substance and the used oxidizing agents and the halide salts, water can be added to the solvent mixture as long as the water content does not negatively impact the efficiency and recovery rate of the high value metal.

[0101] In a further aspect, depending on the high value metal-containing substance and the used oxidizing agents and the halide salts and the ligands, water can be added to the solvent mixture as long as the water content does not negatively impact the efficiency and recovery rate of the high value metal.

[0102] In a further aspect, the solvent is water. In some instances, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the use of a solvent that consists essentially of water provides an environment in which the oxidizing agents and halide salts used in the solution leach composition are highly soluble in the solvent, thereby enabling in situ oxidation in the solution mixture.

[0103] In a further aspect, the solvent is water. In some instances, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the use of a solvent that consists essentially of water provides an environment in which the oxidizing agents, halide salts, and ligands used in the solution leach composition are highly soluble in the solvent, thereby enabling in situ oxidation in the solution mixture.

[0104] In a further aspect, the solvent does not comprise water and is used without aqueous dilution.

[0105] Ligands

[0106] In a further aspect, the ligand is is a compound according to the following formula or a sodium or calcium salt thereofwhere each occurrence of Ri, R2, and R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4CO(OH), and -R5N( s)(R7) so long as at least one of Ri, R2, or R3 is - R4CO(OH); where each occurrence of Re and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4CO(OH), and -R8N(R9)(RIO) so long as at least one of R6 and R7 is -R4CO(OH);where each occurrent of Rs and Rs is independently a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; where each occurrence of R9 and Rio is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and -RiCO(OH) so long as at least one of R9 and Rio is -R4C0(0H) where each occurrence of R4 is independently a bond, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.

[0107] In some aspects, the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, oxalate, malonate, tartrate, gluconate, nitrilotriacetic acid, phthalate, citramalate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diaminoethanetetraacetic acid (CDTA), trans- 1,2- Diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid (DCTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, N- hydroxy ethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), iminodiacetic acid (IDHA), propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), sodium and calcium salts of any of the foregoing, and combinations thereof.

[0108] . In a still further aspects, the ligand is selected from sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (i.e. EDTA), and combinations thereof.Methods of Leaching High-Value Metals

[0109] In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to methods and processes to recover high value metals from a high value metal material using the disclosed leaching method, the method comprising the steps of contacting a high value metal material with a disclosed solvent leach composition thereby forming a high value metal slurry comprising a high value metal pregnant leach solution and insoluble impurities, filtering insoluble impurities from the high value metal slurry, and extracting high value metals from the high value metal pregnant leach solution. In a further aspect, the high value metal material may be a precious metal material including primary resources such as a mining extract including concentrates, ores, such as sulfide or oxide ores, or tailings, or secondary resources such as recycled materials including spent catalysts such as spent automotive catalysts, precious metal-bearing membranes such as hydrogen membrane fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis, precious metal-bearing electrodes such as mixed-metal-oxides (MMO), electronic wastes, spark plugs, precious metal-bearing sensors, alloys, and recycled dental equipment. In a further aspect, the high value metal material may be a copper material including primary resources such as mining extracts including concentrates, ores, such as sulfide and oxide ores including covellite and chalcopyrite, or tailing, or secondary resources such as recycled materials including electronic wastes, printed circuit boards (i.e. PCB), compute processing boards, graphic cards, data processing boards, electric cables, copper-bearing sensors, alloys, and recycled electric and electronic equipment. In a still further aspect, the disclosed methods can be used for the dissolution of high value metals. It is understood that high value metals include the elements Cu, Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os; and that the platinum group metals (“PGM” or “PGMs”) include Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os.

[0110] In a further aspect, the present disclosure pertains to methods for leaching and extracting a high value metal from a high value metal material, the method comprising: preparing a disclosed solvent leach composition; contacting the high value metal material with the solvent leach composition, thereby forming a high value metal slurry; filtering the high value metal slurry to obtain a filtrate comprising a high value metal pregnant leach solution and a solid retained by the filter comprising insoluble impurities; and extracting the high value metal from the high value metalpregnant solution.

[0111] In a further aspect, the present disclosure pertains to methods for leaching and extracting a high value metal from a high value metal material, the method comprising: providing a disclosed stable solvent leach composition; adjusting the pH of the stable solvent composition to a pH belowabout 4; contacting the high value metal material with the solvent leach composition, thereby forming a high value metal slurry; filtering the insoluble impurities from the slurry; and extracting the high value metal from the high value metal-pregnant solution; wherein the high value metal slurry comprises a high value metal-pregnant solution and insoluble impurities; and wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 1 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material. In yet a further aspect, the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% high value metal material.

[0112] In some aspects, the leaching method is performed by immersing the high value metal material in a solvent leach composition containing the solvent, the halogen salt and the oxidizing agent or agents. In some aspects, the solvent leach composition may further comprise a ligand. The resulting mixture is agitated to conduct an agitated leaching process. Subsequently, in the resulting mixture, the high value metals are oxidized and form high value metal salts, which are soluble in the solvent leach composition.

[0113] It is believed, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, that soluble halides in the solvent leach composition can react with the oxidizing agents directly to create a stronger oxidant (e.g., bromine) to oxidize high value metals in the high value metal material and convert them to charged ions and subsequently produce soluble high value metal salts soluble in the solvent leach composition. To achieve a successful dissolution of the high value metals into the solvent leach composition, the solution oxidation reduction potential (ORP) can be above about 400 mV as measured using a standard Silver / Silver Chloride electrode . This ORP amount is enough to convert the high value metals into an ionic form to generate a soluble complex with halide ions present in the solution. The solvent leach composition selectively dissolves the resulting high value metal salts and leaves other elements, metals, and materials behind in solid form.

[0114] In a further aspect, the ORP can be from about 400 mV to about 900 mV. In a still further aspect, the ORP can be from about 600 mV to about 900 mV. In a yet further aspect, the ORP can be from about 700 mV to about 800 mV.

[0115] In a further aspect, the ORP can be different based on the high value material and the concentration of the high value metal in the high value metal material. For example, the ORP for electronic waste material can be about 800 mV, whereas for low-grade copper ores the ORP can be about 500mV to about 600 mV.

[0116] In a further aspect, the disclosed methods can use injection or mixing into a reaction mixture one or more oxidizing agent as disclosed herein, either in lieu or in addition to the in situ oxidation reaction as described herein.

[0117] Accordingly, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that as high value metals are dissolved in the solvent leach composition, solid residues, which are not soluble in the solvent leach composition, and hence, the solvent leach composition turns into a slurry containing a soluble or dissolved high value metal pregnant leach solution and the solid residues. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that solid residues in the slurry can comprise solid residues that are carried forward into a reaction mixture from the high value metal material (i.e., are present prior to the disclosed methods for leaching and extraction) and / or arise during the course of the reaction of the disclosed methods as precipitates from said reaction. In a further aspect, the resulting solid residues comprising impurities can be substantially free of high value metals.

[0118] In a further aspect, the leaching stage includes a filtering step wherein the slurry is filtered to separate the high value metal pregnant leach solution from the solid residues. The solid residues may be washed using an organic solvent or water, for example.

[0119] The high value metal pregnant leach solution and the solid residues may be weighed and assayed using, for example, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Completing the mass balancecan provide values for high value metal recovery and dissolution efficiency of the solvent. In the examples below, some extraction values are presented.

[0120] The leaching solution temperature, pH, stirring speed, pulp density (which is the amount of solid high value metal material in the solution), ORP, pressure, and the time for which the high value metal material is in contact with the solvent leach composition, are important parameters that should be monitored or controlled through the leaching process. The impact of some of these parameters on high value metal extraction is described in the provided examples.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 1, shown therein is a flowchart of a high value metal leaching process 100. In the first step 110, the solvent leach composition is prepared by mixing the solvent, halogen salts, and oxidizing agents. In some aspects, in the first step 110, the solvent leach composition is prepared by mixing the solvent, at least a halogen salt, at least an oxidizing agent, and at least a ligand.

[0122] The solvent leach composition is stable enough to host the reactions occurring in the reaction mixture of the disclosed methods. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that the solvent leach composition does not comprise reactions of the oxidizing agent-halogen salt oxidation reactions and the reactions that occur after the addition of the high value metal material in step 120. Also, the solvent can maximize the solubility of reagents and oxidants and reactions products which will increase the efficiency of extraction while minimizing the off-gassing and evaporation of chemicals, which will decrease the cost of extraction dramatically. The solvent leach composition increases the solubility and stability of oxidants and reagents in their oxidizing phase, which subsequently will facilitate controlling the amount of oxidants required in the leaching process and will help develop in-situ and gradual oxidation, which will minimize chemical consumption in the process and will reduce the high value metal recovery costs dramatically.

[0123] In step 120, the high value metal material, preferably in powdered form, is contacted with the solvent leach composition, e.g., added to, or submerged into, the prepared solvent leach composition in a suitable reactor / reaction vessel. In some aspects, the high value metal-containing substance may be in chunks and any other form except fine powders. However, generally, lower size substances tend to yield higher efficiencies and metal recovery rates mainly due to decreased passivation layer, increased permeability, and increased surface area, for example. In a further aspect, use of the disclosed methods for particularly leaching Rh and Ru-containing materials can utilize small-size powders such as submicron powders of the high value metal material.

[0124] As noted above, the high value metal material may be a primary resource such as a mining extract including concentrates, ores, such as sulfide or oxide ores, or tailings, or secondary resources such as recycled materials including spent catalysts such as spent automotive catalysts, precious metal-bearing membranes such as hydrogen membrane fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis, precious metal-bearing electrodes such as mixed-metal-oxides (MMO), electronic wastes, spark plugs, electronic wastes, PCBs, compute processing boards, graphic cards, data processing boards, high value metal-bearing sensors, alloys, and recycled dental equipment. It should be noted that, using the proposed leaching process, there are no particular limitations on the carbon contents in the high value metal material as the leaching process can operate in low temperatures (thus, not burning the carbon content and not incurring ashing or calcining, for example). Moreover, carbon does not participate in the reactions during the leaching process 100 and remains intact.

[0125] In step 130, the mixture of the solvent leach composition and the high value metal material is agitated, for example, using a magnet stirrer, and the actual leaching reactions take place. Depending on the type (e.g. Cu, Ag, Au, or PGMs), size, and amount of the high value metal containing substance, the solvent leach composition may be agitated for 0.5 to 96 hours and preferably for 8 to 24 hours. As mentioned before, the presence of existing oxidants in the solvent leach composition causes high value metal oxidation and the formation of high value metal salts which are soluble in the solvent leach composition. The solvent leach composition selectively dissolves the resulting high value metal salts and leaves other elements, metals, and materials behind in solid form.

[0126] Acids may be added to the mixture comprising the solvent leach composition and the high value metal-containing substance to decrease the pH and to maximize the efficiency of the reactions. A variety of acids, including mineral acids, organic acids, and mixtures thereof, may be used during step 130. In a further aspect, the acid that is added can be selected from hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In a still further aspect, the acid that is added can be selected from sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof. In various aspects, the acid can be chosen that is relatively safe for production processes and / or introduces minimal impurities to the solvent leach composition. The acid may be diluted or concentrated. Concentrated acids may be preferable since they will not affect or minimize the water mass balance of the whole leaching process 100. The pH during step 130 is generally between 0 to 5 and preferably between 1 to 3.

[0127] In a further aspect, the selection of the acid may depend on the choice of used oxidizing agents and halogen salts, and potential ligands. For example, in case bromate or hypobromate is used in the solvent leach composition, the pH will be around 3 and stronger acids may be used. Alternatively, if chlorine derivatives are used, the pH of the solvent leach composition may drop to between 0 to 1 and weaker acids may be used.

[0128] During the step 130, the ORP can be greater than or equal to about 400 mV. In a further aspect, the ORP can be greater than or equal to about 600 mV. In some instances, an ORP greater than or equal to 600 mV may be useful in order to more fully oxidize the high value metals in the high value metal material. In a still further aspect, the ORP can be from about 400 mV to about 900 mV. In a yet further aspect, the ORP can be from about 600 mV to about 900 mV. In an even further aspect, the ORP can be from about 700 to 800 mV. In some aspects, an ORP greater than or equal to about 900 mV may result in oxidization of other components of the solvent leach composition, including water, which in turn, may increase the acidity of the solvent leach composition. In some instances, it may be desirable to minimize oxidation of other components in the solvent leach composition, such as water, in order to provide an improved process environment, including from a safety perspective.

[0129] In step 140, the leaching slurry is filtered, and the liquid solution and solid residues are separated from each other. The slurry is passed through a filter (including, but not limited to, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride-based filters) having a pore size from about 1 pm to about 25 pm. In a further aspect, the filter has a pore size from about 5 pm to about 10 pm. The flow of the slurry through the filter may be by gravity, however, in some instances the filtration can be carried out using a vacuum or positive pressure.

[0130] The leaching method 100 can be part of a high value metal extraction process. Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a high value metal extraction process 200. The extraction process 200 comprises a substance preparation stage 210, a leaching stage 220, and an extraction stage 230.

[0131] In the substance preparation stage 210, one or more high value metal material, such as mining extracts or spent automotive catalysts, are prepared, for example, by being ground to fine powders. In the leaching stage 220, the prepared substance is added to the solvent leach composition to leach the high value metal(s) and obtain a high value metal pregnant leach solution. In some aspects, the leaching stage 220 may include a continuous tank leaching step 222 wherein a continuous feed of prepared substances may be leached continuously. The leaching stage 220 further includes a filtration step 224, similar to the filtration step 140 under Figure 1, wherein the leaching slurry is filtered, and the high value metal pregnant leach solution and solid residues are separated from each other. In step 226, the solid residues, i.e. leach tailings, may be further processed. In step 226, the solid residues may be monitored for any harmful substances and may be disposed of or prepared for further material extraction. In some aspects, the solid residues may contain secondary high value metals which may be recovered through a secondary process such as a secondary leaching process. For example, in case of leaching electronic waste, the high value metal-pregnantleach solution primarily comprise copper, whereas the remaining solid residues may contain silver or other precious metals which may be recovered through a further leach process. In some aspects, in step 228, high value metal pregnant leach solution may be stored, for example in a high value metal pregnant leach solution storage tank, for later high value metal extraction.In the extraction stage 230, the high value metal is extracted from the high value metal pregnant leach solution.

[0132] In the extraction stage 230, high value metal is extracted from the high value metal pregnant leach solution. In some aspects, the high value metal extraction stage 230 may include a solvent extraction-electrowinning (referred to as SX / EW hereafter) step 232 which results in the extraction of the high value metal in the form of high value metal cathode 234. The SX / EW process may comprise a solvent extraction stage (SX) in which the high value metal pregnant leach solution is contacted with an extractant, such as an organic solvent, to create a high-grade high value metalbearing solution with high concentrations of high value metal ions, while leaving a high value metalbarren phase. The high value metal-barren phase, which may contain the remains of the solvent leach composition, may be purified and recycled in a solvent purification stage 240 for reuse in the leaching stage 220. The recycled solvent can be reused to dissolve high value metals from new high value metal material. The high-grade high value metal-bearing solution is then advanced to an electrowinning stage (EW) where high value metal ions in the solution are electrochemically reduced to metallic cathodes 234.

[0133] The high value metal extraction process 200 can further include a high value metal refinement stage, wherein the high value metal is refined. In a further aspect, each stage of the high value metal extraction process 200 can be carried out in a separate and distinct physical location from another stage.

[0134] In a further aspect, the preparation stage 210 can further include preparing the solvent leach composition as explained previously. The solvent leach composition may be prepared by mixing the mentioned solvents, oxidizing agents, a halide salt, and potentially a ligand. For storage and shipping purposes, the pH of the prepared solvent leach composition can be increased by, for example, adding a hydroxide salt, such as an alkali hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide. At pH values above 5, the oxidizing agents in the solvent leach composition can be temporarily deactivated until the pH is lowered below 5. In such embodiments, for the leaching stage 220, any suitable acid may be added to the solvent leach composition to reduce the pH levels to 0 to 5 and start the in-situ reactions with the high value metal-containing substances.

[0135] In some aspects, the leaching method 100 may vary from the agitated leaching process as described in Figure 1 and 2. Particularly, in case of leaching high value metal materials from primary resources, heap leaching and vat leaching methods can be used, in which the solvent leach composition, after being prepared in a step similar to step 110, can be added to the high value metal material rather than the high value metal material being added to the prepared solvent leach composition. In such leaching method, the solvent leach composition is initially sprinkled or deposited on the high value metal material and then flows through the high value metal material, for example using gravity. Accordingly, without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, it is believed that high value metals are dissolved in the solvent leach composition as the solvent leach composition is flowing through the high value metal material, and hence, the solvent leach composition turns into a high value metal pregnant leach solution. In some aspects, the solvent leach composition may flow through the high value metal material for long periods such as weeks or months.

[0136] In some aspects, the methods include a batch leaching method for high-value metals. The batch leaching methods can involve the processing of a finite amount of ore or source material in discrete batches, as opposed to continuous methods. The batch leaching methods can include a commution of the source material. Commution can include grinding, crushing, milling, and combinations thereof. The process can begin with the crushing of source material to achieve aconsistent particle size. The methods can include agglomeration of the high-value metal source material. For example, the crushed source material can in some aspects be agglomerated by mixing it with a binder, such as lime or cement, to improve permeability and ensure uniform flow of leach solution. The methods can then include contacting the leach compostion with the source material in a batch reactor or tank. The source material and leach composition are allowed to react for a specified period, often ranging from several hours to a few days. During this time, the leach composition dissolves the high-value metals from the source materials. The methods can include solid-liquid separation to separate the liquid phase (pregnant solution) from the solid phase (residue insoluble material).

[0137] In some aspects, the methods can include a continuous leaching process. Continuous recovery methods for high-value metals typically involve continuous processing systems that continuously extract metals from ore or other source materials. These methods are often used in industrial- scale operations to achieve efficient and consistent metal recovery. Here is a detailed description of a continuous recovery method, specifically the Continuous Vat Leaching (CVL) process.

[0138] The methods can include a heap leaching method. Heap leaching is a common method used for extracting high-value metals such as gold and copper from low-grade ores. The process involves stacking ore in a heap on an impermeable liner, irrigating it with a leach solution, and allowing the metals to dissolve over time. Here is a detailed description of heap leaching for high-value metals. The methods can include commution of the high-value metal source material; and / or agglomeration of the high-value metal source material. For example, the source materials can be crushed and combined with a binder, often a cement or lime, to improve the permeability of the heap and enhance metal recovery. An impermeable liner, often made of synthetic materials like HDPE (High- Density Polyethylene) or clay, can be placed at the base of the leach pad to prevent the leach solution from seeping into the ground. The agglomerated ore can then be stacked in a heap on top of the liner. The heap is typically built in lifts or layers, with each layer compacted to ensure good contact between the ore particles. The leach solution is allowed to percolate downward through the heap, dissolving the target metals from the source material particles as it passes through.Definitions

[0139] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the disclosure and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0140] The articles “a” and “an,” as used herein, mean one or more when applied to any feature in aspects of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used.

[0141] As used herein, “comprising” is to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Moreover, each of the terms “by”, “comprising,” “comprises”, “comprised of,” “including,” “includes,” “included,” “involving,” “involves,” “involved,” and “such as” are used in their open, non-limiting sense and may be used interchangeably. Further, the term “comprising” is intended to include examples and aspects encompassed by the terms “consisting essentially of’ and “consisting of.” Similarly, the term “consisting essentially of’ is intended to include examples encompassed by the term “consisting of.

[0142] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0143] As used herein, nomenclature for compounds, including organic compounds, can be given using common names, IUPAC, IUBMB, or CAS recommendations for nomenclature. When one or more stereochemical features are present, Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for stereochemistry can be employed to designate stereochemical priority, E / Z specification, and the like. One of skill in the art can readily ascertain the structure of a compound if given a name, either by systemic reduction of the compound structure using naming conventions, or by commercially available software, such as CHEMDRAW™ (Cambridgesoft Corporation, U.S.A.).

[0144] Reference to "a" chemical compound refers to one or more molecules of the chemical compound rather than being limited to a single molecule of the chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules may or may not be identical, so long as they fall under the category of the chemical compound. Thus, for example, "a" chemical compound is interpreted to include one or more molecules of the chemical, where the molecules may or may not be identical (e.g., different isotopic ratios, enantiomers, and the like).

[0145] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a high value metal,” “a solvent,” or “an oxidizing agent,” includes, but is not limited to, two or more such high value metals, solvents, or oxidizing agents, and the like.

[0146] As used herein, “3 -methoxy-3 -methyl- 1 -butanol” and “MMB” can be used interchangeably and refer to a compound having a structure given by the formula:

[0147] As used herein, “platinum group metal” and “PGM” can be used interchangeably, and refer to one or more metals including Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os.

[0148] The term “alkyl” as used herein is a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, w-propyl, isopropyl, / ?-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, Z-butyl, n- pentyl, isopentyl, .s-pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl, and the like. The alkyl group can be cyclic or acyclic. The alkyl group can be branched or unbranched. The alkyl group can also be substituted or unsubstituted. For example, the alkyl group can be substituted with one or more groups including, but not limited to, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, ether, halide, hydroxy, nitro, silyl, sulfo-oxo, or thiol, as described herein. A “lower alkyl” group is an alkyl group containing from one to six (e.g., from one to four) carbon atoms. The term alkyl group can also be a Cl alkyl, C1-C2 alkyl, C1-C3 alkyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C1-C5 alkyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C7 alkyl, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C9 alkyl, C1-C10 alkyl, and the like up to and including a C1-C24 alkyl.

[0149] Throughout the specification “alkyl” is generally used to refer to both unsubstituted alkyl groups and substituted alkyl groups; however, substituted alkyl groups are also specifically referred to herein by identifying the specific substituent(s) on the alkyl group. For example, the term “halogenated alkyl” or “haloalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more halide, e.g., fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Alternatively, the term “monohaloalky 1” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with a single halide, e.g. fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The term “polyhaloalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is independently substituted with two or more halides, i.e. each halide substituent need not be the same halide as another halide substituent, nor do the multiple instances of a halide substituent need to be on the same carbon. The term “alkoxyalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more alkoxy groups, as described below. The term “aminoalkyl” specifically refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more amino groups. The term “hydroxyalkyl” specificallyrefers to an alkyl group that is substituted with one or more hydroxy groups. When “alkyl” is used in one instance and a specific term such as “hydroxyalkyl” is used in another, it is not meant to imply that the term “alkyl” does not also refer to specific terms such as “hydroxyalkyl” and the like.

[0150] The term “alkanediyl” as used herein, refers to a divalent saturated aliphatic group, with one or two saturated carbon atom(s) as the point(s) of attachment, a linear or branched, cyclo, cyclic or acyclic structure, no carbon-carbon double or triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen. The groups, — CH2 — (methylene), — CH2CH2 — , — CH2C(CH3)2CH2 — , and — CH2CH2CH2 — are non-limiting examples of alkanediyl groups.

[0151] The term “ether” as used herein is represented by the formula A3OA2, where A1and A2can be, independently, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group described herein. The term “polyether” as used herein is represented by the formula — (A1O-A2O)a— , where A1and A2can be, independently, an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group described herein and “a” is an integer of from 1 to 500. Examples of poly ether groups include polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and polybutylene oxide.

[0152] “R1,” “R2,” “R3,”... “Rn,” where n is an integer, as used herein can, independently, possess one or more of the groups listed above. For example, if R1is a straight chain alkyl group, one of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group can optionally be substituted with a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, a halide, and the like. Depending upon the groups that are selected, a first group can be incorporated within second group or, alternatively, the first group can be pendant (i.e., attached) to the second group. For example, with the phrase “an alkyl group comprising an amino group,” the amino group can be incorporated within the backbone of the alkyl group. Alternatively, the amino group can be attached to the backbone of the alkyl group. The nature of the group(s) that is (are) selected will determine if the first group is embedded or attached to the second group.

[0153] As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, and aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organic compounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, those described below. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this disclosure, the heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, can have hydrogen substituents and / or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms. This disclosure is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds. Also, the terms “substitution” or “substituted with” include the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound that does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc. It is also contemplated that, in certain aspects, unless expressly indicated to the contrary, individual substituents can be further optionally substituted (i.e., further substituted or unsubstituted).

[0154] As described herein, compounds of the disclosure may contain “optionally substituted” moieties. In general, the term “substituted,” whether preceded by the term “optionally” or not, means that one or more hydrogens of the designated moiety are replaced with a suitable substituent. Unless otherwise indicated, an “optionally substituted” group may have a suitable substituent at each substitutable position of the group, and when more than one position in any given structure may be substituted with more than one substituent selected from a specified group, the substituent may be either the same or different at every position. Combinations of substituents envisioned by this disclosure are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. In is also contemplated that, in certain aspects, unless expressly indicated to thecontrary, individual substituents can be further optionally substituted (i.e., further substituted or unsubstituted).

[0155] A residue of a chemical species, as used in the specification and concluding claims, refers to the moiety that is the resulting product of the chemical species in a particular reaction scheme or subsequent formulation or chemical product, regardless of whether the moiety is actually obtained from the chemical species. Thus, an ethylene glycol residue in a polyester refers to one or more - OCH2CH2O- units in the polyester, regardless of whether ethylene glycol was used to prepare the polyester. Similarly, a sebacic acid residue in a polyester refers to one or more -CO(CH2)8CO- moieties in the polyester, regardless of whether the residue is obtained by reacting sebacic acid or an ester thereof to obtain the polyester.

[0156] The term “organic residue” defines a carbon containing residue, i.e., a residue comprising at least one carbon atom, and includes but is not limited to the carbon-containing groups, residues, or radicals defined hereinabove. Organic residues can contain various heteroatoms, or be bonded to another molecule through a heteroatom, including oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or the like. Examples of organic residues include but are not limited alkyl or substituted alkyls, alkoxy or substituted alkoxy, mono or di- substituted amino, amide groups, etc. Organic residues can preferably comprise 1 to 18 carbon atoms, 1 to 15, carbon atoms, 1 to 12 carbon atoms, 1 to 8 carbon atoms, 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In a further aspect, an organic residue can comprise 2 to 18 carbon atoms, 2 to 15, carbon atoms, 2 to 12 carbon atoms, 2 to 8 carbon atoms, 2 to 4 carbon atoms, or 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0157] Unless stated to the contrary, a formula with chemical bonds shown only as solid lines and not as wedges or dashed lines contemplates each possible isomer, e.g., each enantiomer and diastereomer, and a mixture of isomers, such as a racemic or scalemic mixture. Compounds described herein can contain one or more asymmetric centers and, thus, potentially give rise to diastereomers and optical isomers. Unless stated to the contrary, the present disclosure includes all such possible diastereomers as well as their racemic mixtures, their substantially pure resolved enantiomers, all possible geometric isomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Mixtures of stereoisomers, as well as isolated specific stereoisomers, are also included. During the course of the synthetic procedures used to prepare such compounds, or in using racemization or epimerization procedures known to those skilled in the art, the products of such procedures can be a mixture of stereoisomers.

[0158] Reference to a chemical compound refers to one or more molecules of the chemical compound rather than being limited to a single molecule of the chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules may or may not be identical, so long as they fall under the category of the chemical compound described. Thus, for example, "a" chemical compound such as a polymer is interpreted to include one or more polymer molecules of the polymer, where the polymer molecules may or may not be identical (e.g., different one or more molecular weights consistent with the molecular weight defined for the polymer such as a weight average molecular).

[0159] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data can be expressed herein in a range format. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms a further aspect. For example, if the value “about 10” is disclosed, then “10” is also disclosed.

[0160] When a range is expressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. For example, where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g., the phrase “x to y” includes the range from ‘x’ to ‘y’ as well as the range greater than ‘x’ and less than ‘y’. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit, e.g. ‘about x, y, z, or less’ and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of Tess than x’, less than y’, and Tess than z’. Likewise, the phrase ‘about x, y, z, or greater’ should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of ‘about x’, ‘about y’, and ‘about z’ as well as the ranges of ‘greater than x’, greater than y’, and ‘greater than z’. In addition, the phrase “about ‘x’ to ‘y’”, where ‘x’ and ‘y’ are numerical values, includes “about ‘x’ to about ‘y’”.

[0161] It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 0.1% to about 5%, but also include individual values (e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, and about 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., about 0.5% to about 1.1%; about 5% to about 2.4%; about 0.5% to about 3.2%, and about 0.5% to about 4.4%, and other possible subranges) within the indicated range.

[0162] As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximate,” “at or about,” and “substantially” mean that the amount or value in question can be the exact value or a value that provides equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims or taught herein. That is, it is understood that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art such that equivalent results or effects are obtained. In some circumstances, the value that provides equivalent results or effects cannot be reasonably determined. In such cases, it is generally understood, as used herein, that “about” and “at or about” mean the nominal value indicated ±10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. In general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” whether or not expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where “about,” “approximate,” or “at or about” is used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0163] The term “contacting” as used herein refers to bringing a disclosed analyte, compound, solvent, composition, chemical, or material in proximity to another disclosed analyte, compound, solvent, composition, chemical, or material as indicated by the context. For example, a solvent leach composition contacting a high value metal-containing material refers to the solvent leach composition being in proximity to the high value metal-containing material by the high value metalcontaining material interacting and binding to the high value metal-containing material via ionic, dipolar and / or van der Waals interactions. In some instances, contacting can comprise both physical and chemical interactions between the indicated components. It is to be understood that chemical interactions can comprise a combination of covalent and non-covalent interactions, including one or more of ionic, dipolar, van der Waals interactions, and the like. For example, a solvent leach composition contacting a high value metal-containing material is understood to mean that the solvent leach composition is in physical and chemical contact with the high value metal-containing material and can comprise covalent, ionic, and non-covalent interactions.

[0164] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount that is sufficient to achieve the desired modification of a physical property of the composition or material. For example, an "effective amount" of a solvent leach composition refers to an amount that is sufficient to achievethe desired leaching of high value metals from a high value metal-containing material. The specific level in terms of wt%, vol% and / or ratio (either weight or volume ratio) in a composition required as an effective amount will depend upon a variety of factors including the amount and type of high value metal-containing material, amount and type of solvent leach composition, and economic considerations.

[0165] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0166] Certain materials, compounds, compositions, and components disclosed herein can be obtained commercially or readily synthesized using techniques generally known to those of skill in the art. For example, the starting materials and reagents used in preparing the disclosed compounds and compositions are either available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co., (Milwaukee, Wis.), Acros Organics (Morris Plains, N. J.), Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.), or Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.) or are prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieser and Fieser’s Reagents for Organic Synthesis, Volumes 1-17 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991); Rodd’s Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Volumes 1-5 and Suppiementals (Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989); Organic Reactions, Volumes 1-40 (John Wiley and Sons, 1991); March’s Advanced Organic Chemistry, (John Wiley and Sons, 4th Edition); and Larock’s Comprehensive Organic Transformations (VCH Publishers Inc., 1989).

[0167] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0168] Disclosed are the components to be used to prepare the compositions of the disclosure as well as the compositions themselves to be used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these compounds cannot be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a particular compound is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules including the compounds are discussed, specifically contemplated is each and every combination and permutation of the compound and the modifications that are possible unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of molecules A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of molecules D, E, and F and an example of a combination molecule, A-D is disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations, A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods of making and using the compositions of the disclosure. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the methods of the disclosure.

[0169] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understoodthat there are a variety of structures that can perform the same function that are related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the same result.

[0170] Unless otherwise specified, temperatures referred to herein are based on atmospheric pressure (i.e., one atmosphere).

[0171] The following abbreviations are used herein throughout:

[0172] Abbreviation Meaning

[0173] MMB 3-methoxy-3-methyl- 1-butanol

[0174] ORP oxidation reduction potential

[0175] PGM Platinum Group Metals, i.e., Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os

[0176] SCE standard calomel electrode

[0177] XRF X-ray fluorescence

[0178] XRFS X-ray fluorescence spectrometryASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0179] The present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following numbered aspects, which should not be confused with the claims. In some instance, the aspects below may be combined with one or more additional aspects or with other aspects described elsewhere in the disclosure and accompanying examples. All such variations and combinations are intended to be covered by the instant disclosure.Aspect 1 . A method of extracting a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material, the method comprising: contacting the high-value metal source material with a leach composition described herein for a first period of time to form a high-value metal slurry;filtering the high-value metal slurry to remove impurities from the high- value metal slurry that are insoluble in the leach composition to form a pregnant solution; and extracting the high value metal from the pregnant solution, thereby forming a spent leach composition.Aspect 2. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the solvent in the leach composition is selected from the group consisting of water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof; wherein the oxidizing agent in the leach composition is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; andwherein the halogen salt in the leach composition is present in in a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.Aspect 3. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor.Aspect 4. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor.Aspect 5. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherine the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition to the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.Aspect 6. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherine the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprisescontinuously contacting the leach composition to the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.Aspect 7. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a heap leach method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material.Aspect 8. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a heap leach method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material.Aspect 9. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, further comprising prior to step (a) one or both of: commution of the high-value metal source material; and agglomeration of the high-value metal source material.Aspect 10. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises step (i) and wherein the commution is selected from the group consisting of griding, crushing, milling, and combinations thereof.Aspect 11. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises step (ii) and wherein the agglomeration step is selected from the group consisting of drum agglomeration, pan agglomeration, pugmill agglomeration, and combinations thereof.Aspect 12. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the first period of time is from about 0.5 hours to about 48 hours.Aspect 13. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the first period of time is from about 8 hours to about 24 hours.Aspect 14. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the first period of time is from about one week to about 10 weeks.Aspect 15. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the first period of time is from about 24 hours to about 96 hours.Aspect 16. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the first period of time is from about 30 days to about 1 year.Aspect 17. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source is selected from the group consisting of a mining extract, a recycled material, and combinations thereof.Aspect 18. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of ore deposits, electronic waste (E-Waste), industrial waste, catalytic converters, battery waste, waste from photovoltaic solar panels, printed circuit boards (PCBs), mining concentrates, and mining tailings.Aspect 19. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a mining extract selected from the group consisting of a mining concentrate, an ore, a mining tailing, and combinations thereof.Aspect 20. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a low-grade ore.Aspect 21. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is not a high-grade ore.Aspect 22. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is electronic waste.Aspect 23. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the ore is selected from a sulfide ore, an oxide ore, and combinations thereof.Aspect 24. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a recycled material selected from the group consisting of aspent catalyst, a hydrogen membrane fuel cell, a high value metal-bearing electrode, electronic waste, a spark plug, a high value metal-bearing sensor, an alloy, recycled dental equipment, and combinations thereof.Aspect 25. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-bearing electrode comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, Os, and combinations thereof.Aspect 26. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a spent catalyst that an automotive spent catalyst such as a catalytic converter.Aspect 27. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-bearing electrode that is a mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) electrode.Aspect 28. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal is gold, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing gold, a low-grade sulfide ore containing gold, an electronic waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1.5 g / t gold, an industrial waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1 g / t gold, a mining tailing containg about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t gold, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the gold from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.Aspect 29. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal is silver, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing silver, a low-grade sulfide ore containing silver, an electronic waste containing from about 5 g / t to about 100 g / t silver, an industrial waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, a mining tailing containg about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the silver from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.Aspect 30. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal is copper, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing copper, a low-grade sulfide ore containing copper, a low-grade carbonate ore containing copper, an electronic waste containing from about 10% to about 30% copper, a mining tailing containg about 0.5% to about 10 % copper, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the copper from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.Aspect 31. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 , wherein the high-value metal is a platinum group metal, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a sulfide ore containing the platinum group metal, a chromite ore containing the platinum group metal, a silicate ore containing the platinum group metal, an electronic waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 5 g / t palladium, an industrial waste containing about 5 ppb to about 5 ppm a platinum group metal, a mining tailing containg about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t of the platinum group metal, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the platinum group metal from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.Aspect 32. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high-value metal slurry has a pH from about 0 to about 5.Aspect 33. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH from about 1.5 to about 3.5.Aspect 34. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH from about 2 to about 3.Aspect 35. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, further comprising adding an effective amount of an acid to the slurry to adjust the pH to between about 0 and about 5, between about 1.5 and about 3.5, or between about 2 and about 3.Aspect 36. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the acid is selected from hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof.Aspect 37. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 38. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 39. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 40. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 41. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 42. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 43. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 44. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 45. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 46. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 47. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, The method according to any one of claims 1-16, about 30 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 48. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 49. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 50. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 51. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 52. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.Aspect 53. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step further comprises agitating the slurry.Aspect 54. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, wherein the contacting step further comprises heating the slurry to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 55. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, wherein the contacting step further comprises wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 56. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 57. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 58. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 59. The method according to any one of Aspects l-89wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 60. The method according to any one of Aspects l-89wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 61. The method according to any one of Aspects l-89wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 62. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 63. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 64. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 65. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 66. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 90 °C.Aspect 67. The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, further comprising purifying the spent leach composition to form a purified leach composition.Aspect 68. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, further comprising, repeating step (a) with the purified leach composition.Aspect 69. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the batch leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: commution of the high-value metal source material; and agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the contacting step (b) comprises combining the high-value metal source material with the leach composition in a batch reactor.Aspect 70. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the continuous leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: commution of the high-value metal source material; and agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the contacting step (b) comprises feeding the high-value metal source material through a series of reactors where it is contacted with the leach composition.Aspect 71. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the continuous leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: commution of the high-value metal source material; and agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the method further comprises prior to step (a) forming a heap comprising the high- value metal source material; and wherein the contacting step (b) comprises applying the leach composition to the heap.Aspect 72. The The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at around room temperature.Aspect 73. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 74. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 75. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 76. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 77. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 78. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 79. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 80. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 81. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 120 °C.Aspect 82. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 115 °C.Aspect 83. Th The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 110 °C.Aspect 84. T The method according to any one of Aspects 1 -91 ,, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 100 °C.Aspect 85. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 90 °C.Aspect 86. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 60% to about 99% or about 60% to about 80%.Aspect 87. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 80% to about 99% or about 80% to about 90%.Aspect 88. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 90% to about 99.9% or about 90% to about 98%.Aspect 89. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 98%% to about 99.9%.Aspect 90. The method according to anyone of Aspects 1-91, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises a halogen gas; and wherein the method comprises producing the halogen gas prior to or contemporaneous with the contacting step (a) and adding it to the leach composition.Aspect 91. The method according to any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein prior to the contacting step the leach composition is stable and has a pH of about 5 to about 12 or about 5 to about 10; and wherein prior to or contemporaneous with the contacting step (a) the pH of the leach composition is adjusted to a pH of below about 4 e.g., about 1 to about 4.Aspect 92. A leach composition for leaching a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material, the leach composition comprising: a solvent; an oxidizing agent; and a halogen salt; wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, the ether, theketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from a C1-C5 alkyl, a hydroxy group, and combinations thereof.Aspect 93. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, further comprising a ligand.Aspect 94. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and wherein the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.Aspect 95. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; wherein the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof; and wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and combinations thereof.Aspect 96. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent is selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.Aspect 97. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, , wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, and combinations thereof.Aspect 98. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, , wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.Aspect 99. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, , wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.Aspect 100. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent does not comprise water.Aspect 101. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, , wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 102. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 103. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 104. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 105. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 106. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 107. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 108. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein thetotal number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 109. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 110. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)- O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 111. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, a solvent selected from CH3- (C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 112. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 113. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.Aspect 114. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a compound selected from a structure represented by a formula:, and combinations thereof.Aspect 115. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a compound selected from a structure represented by a formula:Aspect 116. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises water.Aspect 117. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 35 wt% to about 65 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.Aspect 118. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.Aspect 119. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 45 wt% to about 55 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.Aspect 120. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises polyethylene glycol.Aspect 121. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 200 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol.Aspect 122. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 600 g / mol to about 4,000 g / mol.Aspect 123. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol.Aspect 124. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,500 g / mol to about 2,500 g / mol.Aspect 125. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,900 g / mol to about 2,100 g / mol.Aspect 126. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from chlorine, bromine, a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, a chlorate salt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, an organic peroxyacid, a superoxide, a peroxide-superoxide, an organic peroxyacid (and a salt thereof), a peroxyhydrate, a water-soluble organic peroxide, a nitrosodisulfonate, a hypochlorite, a hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, a chloroamine, a chloroamide, achlorosulfamide, a bromoamine, a bromoamide, a bromosulfamide, a chlorosulfonic acid, a bromosulfonic acid, an inorganic peroxide (or salt thereof), an inorganic peroxyacid (or salt thereof), and combinations thereof.Aspect 127. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected to oxidize bromide.Aspect 128. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, a chlorate salt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt.Aspect 129. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof.Aspect 130. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the bromate salt, the perbromate salt, the chlorate salt, the chlorite salt, or the perchlorate salt do not comprise a calcium cation.Aspect 131. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the bromate salt, the perbromate salt, the chlorate salt, the chlorite salt, or the perchlorate salt comprise a calcium cation.Aspect 132. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the oxidizing agent has a concentration from about 0.1 to about 100 g / L based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition.Aspect 133. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from an alkali metal bromide salt, an alkali chloride salt, an alkaline earth bromide salt, an alkaline earth chloride salt, and combinations thereof.Aspect 134. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof.Aspect 135. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.Aspect 136. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.Aspect 137. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the halogen salt has a concentration from about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M based on based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition.Aspect 138. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential that is greater than or equal to about 400 mV.Aspect 139. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 400 mV to about 900 mV.Aspect 140. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 500 mV to about 900 mV.Aspect 141. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 600 mV to about 900 mV.Aspect 142. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 700 mV to about 900 mV.Aspect 143. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 400 mV to about 800 mV.Aspect 144. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 500 mV to about 800 mV.Aspect 145. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 600 mV to about 800 mV.Aspect 146. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 700 mV to about 800 mV.Aspect 147. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has a pH from about 1 to about 4.Aspect 148. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the composition has a pH from about 1 to about 3.Aspect 149. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the leach composition has a pH greater than about 5.Aspect 150. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 12.Aspect 151. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92- 155, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 10.Aspect 152. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 8.Aspect 153. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 7.Aspect 154. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the ligand is a compound according to the following formula or a sodium or calcium salt thereofwhere each occurrence of Ri, R2, and R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4CO(OH), and -RsN^RsXR?) so long as at least one of Ri, R2, or R3 is -R4CO(OH); where each occurrence of Re and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4CO(OH), and -RsN(R9)(Rio) so long as at least one of R6 and R7 is -R4CO(OH); where each occurrent of R5 and Rs is independently a Cl- C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; where each occurrence of R9 and Rio is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and -R4CO(OH) so long as at least one of R9 and Rio is -R4CO(OH); and where each occurrence of R4 is independently a bond, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.Aspect 155. The leach composition according to any one of Aspects 92-155, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, oxalate, malonate, tartrate, gluconate, nitrilotriacetic acid, phthalate, citramalate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diaminoethanetetraacetic acid (CDTA), trans- 1 ,2-Diaminocy cl ohexanetetraacetic acid (DCTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, N- hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), iminodiacetic acid (IDHA), propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), sodium and calcium salts of any of the foregoing, and combinations thereof.EXAMPLES

[0180] Now having described the aspects of the present disclosure, in general, the following Examples describe some additional aspects of the present disclosure. While aspects of the present disclosure are described in connection with the following examples and the corresponding text and figures, there is no intent to limit aspects of the present disclosure to this description. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in °C or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.Example 1: Referential Example - Leach Test

[0181] An agitated leaching and extraction process was conducted in a round bottom flask placed in a thermostatically controlled water bath or beaker with a magnetic stirrer. The halogen salts were dissolved in the solvent before pouring it into the flask. Once the solvent leach composition reached a predetermined temperature from about 20 °C to about 90 °C, the high value metal-containing samples were added. In some instances, the high value metal-containing samples were added once the solvent leach composition reached a predetermined temperature from about 40 °C to about 70 °C. The magnetic stirrer was maintained at a rotational speed of about 600 rpm, and the solvent leach composition pH was maintained from about 1 to about 4. The pulp density was maintained under 10% w / w in all tests. The test duration varied from a few hours to several days. There is no waste for reagents and solvent because the solution is continuously used (which makes the process unique and novel). After leaching, the high value metal pregnant leach solution and tailings (i.e., the solid residues) were weighed and assayed using XRF methodology. In some aspects, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was used to obtain the high value metal grade in the solution media before and after the agitated leaching. All the recoveries in the examples are calculated based on the high value metals extracted from the solids and high value metals left in the solid residues. For example, if the head sample contains 100 grams of high value metals, and 99 grams are extracted with 99% recovery, it means 1 gram of high value metals is left in the solid residue. Completing the mass balance provided values of recovery and efficiency of the solvent, which is presented in the examples.

[0182] When adding an oxidant such as lithium bromate to the bromide salt, preferably lithium bromide dissolved into the solvent, the bromide will be oxidized to bromine. The reactions are as below:BrO3-+ 5Br-+ 6H+^ 3Br2 + 3H2O (la)

[0183] The produced bromine is a strong oxidizing agent which will be dissolved into the solvent. By reducing pH and adding excess acid to the reaction, bromine will be the predominant component. As the bromine is soluble in the solvent, it will stay as bromine through the whole reaction and will not hydrolyze the solution to generate hydrobromic acid, which is a strong acid. Therefore, the pHwill be maintained around 4-5, and the extraction will take place in a safe environment. To be able to decrease the pH and to maximize the efficiency, acid can be added to the solvent. The acid may be diluted or concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or citric acid. In other aspects, e.g., when an oxidant such as lithium chlorate is added to a chloride salt, e.g., lithium chloride, the chloride can be oxidized to chlorine as shown below:C1O3-+ 5C1-+ 6H+— ► 3C12 + 3H2O (lb)

[0184] In still other exemplary aspects, e.g., when an oxidant such chlorine is added to a bromide salt, e.g., lithium bromide, the bromide can be oxidized to bromine as shown below:C12 + 2Br- a Br2 + 2C1- (1c)

[0185] When pH is decreased, e.g. to less than 4, the oxidizing strength of bromine is suitable for dissolution of high value metals, particularly PGMs. In some aspects, it can be desirable to decrease the pH to about 1 to about 3. When platinum and palladium, or other PGMs are reacted with halides such as the bromine, the PGM halide salts, such as PGMs bromide or PGM chloride salts will be produced, which can be highly soluble into the solvent leach composition. The following reactions are such exemplary reactions, where X is a halogen such as Br or Cl:Pt + 2X2 PtX4 (2)Pt + X2 PtX2 (3)PtX2 + 2X- [PtX4]2- (4)[PtX4]2- + X2 [PtX6]2- (5)Pd + 2X2 PdX4 (6)Pd + X2 PdX2 (7)PdX2 + 2X- [PdX4]2- (8)2Rh + 2X2 2RhX3 (9)

[0186] In some aspects, as shown by the following reactions, when copper is reacted with halides such as bromine the copper halide salts, such as copper bromide or copper chloride salts, can be produced, which are highly soluble in the solvent leach composition. The following reactions are such exemplary reactions (Refs. 3-4), where X is a halogen such as Br or Cl:Cu + X2 — > CuX 2 (10)CuFeS2 + 3Cu2+ NaBr / H2 O 4Cu + + Fe2+ + 2S0 (11)CuFeS2 + 5 / 2Br2 + 3 / 2H2SO4 +l / 6Na2SO4 + 2H2 O S 0+ 5Br- + CuSO4 +l / 3NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 + 5H+ (12)Cu2S + 0.502 + 2H+ + 4C1- 2CuCl 2- + H2O + SO (13)CuFeS2 + C12 [CuCl, CuCl 2, FeC12, FeC13] + SO (14)Example 2: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0187] A sample of a very high-grade spent catalyst substance containing PGMs was ground to a grind size of P100, 125 pm (meaning 80% of the particles are less than 75 pm in size and 100% of the particles are less than 125 pm in size) to increase the overall surface area of the PMG-containing substance to increase leaching reactions. The sample was riffle split into two homogenous samples. Each sample was used for two leach tests as explained in the Referential Example above, with the same conditions, except the solution. One sample was soaked in Aqua Regia (3: 1 hydrochloric acid and nitric acid), as one of the strongest lixiviants, and the other sample was leached in the solvent leach composition of the current disclosure.

[0188] The tests were conducted for 96 hours at room pressure and temperature with 5% w / w pulp density for both tests. The amount of dissolved PGMs into the solution was measured at 1, 6, 33 and 96 hours by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results are shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, and FIG. 3C for Pt, Pd, and Rd, respectively. In the first 6 hours: 200 ppm of platinum dissolved in the solvent leach composition compared to 170 ppm in the Aqua Regia; 3800 ppm of palladium dissolved in the solvent leach composition compared to 3200 ppm dissolved in the Aqua Regia; and 410 ppm of Rhodium dissolved in the solvent leach compositioncompared to 320 ppm dissolved in the Aqua Regia. The results show that the disclosed solvent has higher leaching kinetics and dissolved higher amounts of the high value metals into the solution compared to Aqua Regia.Example 3: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0189] A sample of a spent catalyst containing PGMs was pulverized to Pl 00, 125 pm. The sample was leached as explained in the Referential Example above, using the disclosed solvent. The sample was assayed using an XRF device. The results showed that the sample contained 1850 ppm of palladium, 207 ppm of platinum and 350 ppm of Rh. The leach test was performed with 10% w / w pulp density for 6 hours, one at room temperature and the other at 50 °C. The recoveries for Pd, Pt and Rh are shown in Table 1 for both temperatures. There is a significant increase in the recovered Pt and Rh at 50 degrees compared to room temperature. There is a modest increase in the amount of Pd recovered at 50 degrees compared to room temperature, as Pd is generally easier to extract.Table 1. Recovery (% recovery) at room temperature and at 50°C according to Example 1.Example 4: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0190] A refinery spent catalyst containing high-grade platinum levels was used as a sample. The sample was pulverized to a grind size of Pl 00, 125 pm. The effect of oxidizing agent levels in the solvent leach composition (by weight %) on solvent efficiency was studied. All the tests were performed as explained in the Referential Example and at 45 °C for 12 hours with 5% w / w pulp density. FIG. 4 shows the results of this example. As it is shown in FIG. 4, higher oxidant levels in the solvent leach composition resulted in higher dissolved amounts of platinum.Example 5: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0191] Various samples of spent catalyst substances containing PGMs loaded on different matrices including zirconia-titania, silicon carbide, and mixed matrix (silica, alumina, cerium oxide, silicon carbide) were leached as explained in the Referential Example and using the disclosed solvent. The samples were leached in a commercialized reactor in pilot plant scale with an operational capacity of 300 US gallons. 250 gallons of solvent leach composition was mixed with about 100 kg of high value metal material. The samples were assayed using microwave acid digestion following by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The leach pilot tests were performed with 10% w / w pulp density for 24 hours at 75 °C. The samples characterizations and recoveries for Pd, Pt and Rh are shown in Table 2.Table 2. Choice of matrix and percent recovery of Pd, Pt, and Rh for representative samples from Example 2.Example 6: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0192] Further exemplary disclosed methods (different substrate matrices, solvents, temperatures) are provided in Table 3 herein below using the general procedures described herein in the Examples.Table 3Table 3, continued.Table 3, continued.aBrChTable 3, continued.*** Indicated metal concentration in the pregnant leach solution.Example 7: Prophetic Exemplary Method

[0193] In some exemplary aspects, to add a halogen gas, as an oxidizing agent, to the solvent leach composition, one or more of the following processes can be used: direct halogen gas addition, onsite chemical halogen gas production, and electrochemical halogen gas production.

[0194] For direct halogen gas addition, a halogen oxygen leaching procedure such as a chlorineoxygen or bromine-oxygen leaching procedure can be used, wherein halogen gas is combined withoxygen in an acidic environment to convert copper sulphides to soluble forms such as halides and sulphates. In this method, the halogen and oxygen can be added in the form of pressurized gas dispensed from high-pressure cylinders at a controlled rate. The leaching reactor can be sealed, and its temperature controlled to maximize leaching efficiency. The following reactions provide an exemplary reaction for chlorine (Refs. 1-2):C12 + H2 O— >HC1 + C10H (15)CuS + HC1 + 1 / 202 CuCl 2 + SO + H20 (16)CuS + 4H0C1 CuSO 4 + 4HC1 (17)4CuS(s) + 8C1 - (aq) + 4H+(aq) + 02 (g) 4CuCl 2(aq) + 2H2O(1) + 4S0(s)(18)Copper sulfide + 2Cu2+ (chloride complex) — 4Cu +(chloride complex) + S(19)2Cu+(chloride complex) + 2H+ + 1 / 202 — 2Cu 2+ (chloride complex) + H20(20)

[0195] Once leaching is complete, excess halogen can be recovered in the form of a scrubbing system using sodium hydroxide to for example produce sodium hypochlorite as expressed in equation 21. From that point, halogen gas can be regenerated via acidification as expressed in equation 22. The regenerated halogen gas can be used as the second method of halogen addition which is on-site and in-situ halogen gas production. The following reactions provide an exemplary reaction for chlorine:

[0196] In the second addition method, halogen gas, such as chlorine gas, is produced on-site, directly (in-situ) in the leaching reactor from a halogen containing precursor. For example, a combination of halogen bleach, such as chlorine bleach (NaOCl), and acid can be dosed in the reactor in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the same halogen production reaction can take place in a secondary vessel (ex-situ), which contains a halogen gas permeable membrane, separating the halogen gas and the leaching products. On-site production of halogen gas has the advantage of not requiring more expensive high-pressure cylinders of halogens, such as chlorine gas cylinders, to be transported to remote sites such as copper mines, instead only needing commonly available acids and halogen bleach solutions. Other than halogen bleach, other halogen-containing precursors to halogen gas, such as trichloroisocyanuric acid (also referred to as Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione or Trichlor) can be used.

[0197] Apart from the use of halogen gas directly and the on-site chemical production of halogen, the halogen can be also produced on-site electrochemically, for example from a chloralkali process in case of chlorine production. Chloralkali process is an electrolysis reaction used to produce hydrogen gas, sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas from a brine (sodium chloride) solution as shown in formula (15) and in FIG. 5.2NaCl + 2H2O H2+ Cl2+ 2NaOH (23)

[0198] The chloralkali process is shown in FIG. 5 generally at 260. The process starts at step 270 in which an amount of sodium chloride, from a salt storage tank 282, is mixed with water in a tank or any other container to form a brine solution. The brine solution then goes through a membrane electrolysis process 274 in which chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide being created. The depleted brine can be recycled back into the brine tank 270 where sodium chloride is added for a new brine solution.

[0199] Apart from the resulting chlorine gas, which will be introduced to the leaching reactor in the continuous tank leaching process (as shown at 222 in FIG. 2), the chloralkali reaction can also produce hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), both of which have utility in some industries or can be used on-site directly. Hydrogen gas, especially when derived from electrolysis(green hydrogen), is a highly energy-dense, carbon-neutral fuel source. Caustic soda is an industrially important material that could also be used on-site or sold as a commodity. The resulting hydrogen sodium hydroxide gases can be stored in a hydrogen storage tank 286, and a sodium hydroxide storage tank respectively. In other aspects, a similar electrochemical process as shown in FIG. 5 can be used for production of other halogens such as bromine.

[0200] Producing on-site chlorinehalogen gas, for example from the chloralkali process, has several advantages such as simplifying the logistics and reducing the cost of the overall chlorine halogen gas acquisition by only requiring salt, water and electricity for the process.

[0201] After copper has been leached into the solution media in the form of a copper halide salts, such as copper chloride or copper bromide salts, a ligating group (L), such as acetate (OAc) oxalate (ox2-) and citrate (Cit3') is added to the solvent leach composition to stabilize the copper ions. The following reactions are such exemplary reactions:Cu2+(aq)+ 2L' (aq) — CuL 2(aq) (24)Cu2+(aq) + L2' (aq) — CuL(aq) (25)

[0202] In the reactions mentioned above, L indicates a ligating group, (aq) indicates the chemical element being in an aqueous phase, (s) indicates the chemical element being in a solid phase, and (g) indicates the chemical element being in a gaseous phase. In an exemplary aspect, sodium acetate is used as the ligating group and the following reaction takes place in the solvent leach composition:CuCb(aq) + 2NaOAc(aq) — Cu(OAc)2(aq) + NaCb(aq) (26)Example 8: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0203] Further exemplary disclosed methods for recovering copper from electronic waste material are provided in Table 4 herein below using the general procedures described herein in the Examples.Table 4Table 4, continued.Table 4, continued.* NaBr. ** NaBrO3. ***AcetateExample 9: Exemplary Disclosed Method

[0204] Further exemplary disclosed methods for recovering copper from electronic waste material are provided in Table 5 herein below using the general procedures described herein in the Examples and using chlorine gas as an oxidizing agent directly injected to the solvent leach composition.Table 5Table 5, continued.Table 5, continued.*NaCl. **Directly injected Chlorine gas ***AcetateREFERENCES

[0205] Unless specified elsewhere in the disclosure, references cited in the disclosure are enumerated below. References may be cited herein using the format of reference number(s) enclosed by parentheses corresponding to one or more of the following numbered references. References may also be cited herein using a superscript format. For example, citation of references numbers 1 and 2 immediately herein below could be indicated in the disclosure as (Refs. 1 and 2) or as the superscript ii 1-2 ii

[0206] All publications and patents cited in this specification are cited to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All such publications and patents are herein incorporated by references as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Such incorporation by reference is expressly limited to the methods and / or materials described in the cited publications and patents and does not extend to any lexicographical definitions from the cited publications and patents. Any lexicographical definition in the publications and patents cited that is not also expressly repeated in the instant specification should not be treated as such and should not be read as defining any terms appearing in the accompanying claims. Furthermore, any incorporation by reference ofpatents and patent applications to which the instant application claims priority is not intended to extend to any lexicographical definitions in the patents and patent applications so incorporated and should not be read as limiting the accompanying claims.

[0207] The citation of any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates of publication provided could be different from the actual publication dates that may need to be independently confirmed.(1) Statistical Study for Leaching of Covellite in a Chloride Media, Kevin Perez, Norman Toro, Manuel Saldana, Eleazar Salinas-Rodriguez, Pedro Robles, David Torres and Ricardo I. Jeldres, Metals, 2020.(2) Effect of Pre-Treatment with Sodium Chloride / Sulfuric Acid on the Bornite Concentrate Leaching in Chloride Medium, Patricio Navarro, Cristian Vargas, Fabiana Bahamonde, Matias Gomez, Daniel Espinoza, Rossana Sepulveda and Jonathan Castillo, Metals, 2020.(3) Leaching of Pure Chalcocite in a Chloride Media Using Sea Water and Waste Water, Norman Toro, Williams Briceno, Kevin Perez, Manuel Canovas, Emilio Trigueros, Rossana Sepulveda and Pia Hernandez, Metals, 2019)(4) Chlorination of chalcopyrite, David H. Yee, Richard S. Olsen and T.T. Campbell, United States Department of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus, Secretary, Bureau of mines, 1977.

[0208] It should be emphasized that the above- described aspects of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, and are set forth only for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described aspects of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A method of extracting a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material, the method comprising: a. contacting the high-value metal source material with a leach composition according to any one of claims 92-155 for a first period of time to form a high- value metal slurry; b. filtering the high-value metal slurry to remove impurities from the high-value metal slurry that are insoluble in the leach composition to form a pregnant solution; and c. extracting the high value metal from the pregnant solution, thereby forming a spent leach composition.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the solvent in the leach composition is selected from the group consisting of water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof; wherein the oxidizing agent in the leach composition is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and wherein the halogen salt in the leach composition is present in in a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high- value metal source material in a batch reactor.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high- value metal source material in a batch reactor.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherine the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition to the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherine the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition to the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises a heap leach method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises a heap leach method, and wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising prior to step (a) one or both of: i. commution of the high-value metal source material; and ii. agglomeration of the high-value metal source material.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method comprises step (i) and wherein the commution is selected from the group consisting of grinding, crushing, milling, and combinations thereof.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method comprises step (ii) and wherein the agglomeration step is selected from the group consisting of drum agglomeration, pan agglomeration, pugmill agglomeration, and combinations thereof.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period of time is from about 0.5 hours to about 48 hours.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period of time is from about 8 hours to about 24 hours.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period of time is from about one week to about 10 weeks.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period of time is from about 24 hours to about 96 hours.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first period of time is from about 30 days to about 1 year.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source is selected from the group consisting of a mining extract, a recycled material, and combinations thereof.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of ore deposits, electronic waste (E- Waste), industrial waste, catalytic converters, battery waste, waste from photovoltaic solar panels, printed circuit boards (PCBs), mining concentrates, and mining tailings.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is a mining extract selected from the group consisting of a mining concentrate, an ore, a mining tailing, and combinations thereof.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is a low-grade ore.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is not a high-grade ore.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is electronic waste.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the ore is selected from a sulfide ore, an oxide ore, and combinations thereof.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material is a recycled material selected from the group consisting of a spent catalyst, a hydrogen membrane fuel cell, a high value metal-bearing electrode, electronic waste, a spark plug, a high value metal-bearing sensor, an alloy, recycled dental equipment, and combinations thereof.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-bearing electrode comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, Os, and combinations thereof.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a spent catalyst that an automotive spent catalyst such as a catalytic converter.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-bearing electrode that is a mixed-metal-oxide (MMO) electrode.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal is gold, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing gold, a low-grade sulfide ore containing gold, an electronic waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1.5 g / t gold, an industrial waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1 g / t gold, a mining tailing containg about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t gold, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the gold from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

29. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal is silver, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing silver, a low-grade sulfide ore containing silver, an electronic waste containing from about 5 g / t to about 100 g / t silver, an industrial waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, a mining tailing containg about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the silver from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

30. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal is copper, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a low-grade oxide ore containing copper, a low-grade sulfide ore containing copper, a low-grade carbonate ore containing copper, an electronic waste containing from about 10% to about 30% copper, a mining tailing containg about 0.5% to about 10 % copper, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the copper from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

31. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal is a platinum group metal, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of a sulfide ore containing the platinum group metal, a chromite ore containing the platinum group metal, a silicate ore containing the platinum group metal, an electronic waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 5 g / t palladium, an industrial waste containing about 5 ppb to about 5 ppm a platinum group metal, a mining tailing containg about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t of the platinum group metal, and a combination thereof; and wherein a recovery percentage of the platinum group metal from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

32. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high-value metal slurry has a pH from about 0 to about 5.

33. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH from about 1.5 to about 3.5.

34. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH from about 2 to about 3.

35. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, further comprising adding an effective amount of an acid to the slurry to adjust the pH to between about 0 and about 5, between about 1.5 and about 3.5, or between about 2 and about 3.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein the acid is selected from hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof.

37. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.

38. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.

39. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.

40. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 50 wt% high value metal material.

41. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.

42. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.

43. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.

44. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt% high value metal material.

45. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.

46. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.

47. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, The method according to any one of claims 1-16, about 30 wt% high value metal material.

48. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 30 wt% high value metal material.

49. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.

50. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.

51. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 15 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.

52. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 20 wt% to about 25 wt% high value metal material.

53. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step further comprises agitating the slurry.

54. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step further comprises heating the slurry to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 120 °C.

55. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step further comprises wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 115 °C.

56. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 110 °C.

57. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 40 °C to about 100 °C.

58. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 120 °C.

59. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 115 °C.

60. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 110 °C.

61. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 50 °C to about 100 °C.

62. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 120 °C.

63. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 115 °C.

64. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 110 °C.

65. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 100 °C.

66. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the heating the slurry is heating to a temperature from about 60 °C to about 90 °C.

67. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, further comprising purifying the spent leach composition to form a purified leach composition.

68. The method of claim 67, further comprising, repeating step (a) with the purified leach composition.

69. The method according to any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and wherein the batch leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: i. commution of the high-value metal source material; and ii. agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the contacting step (b) comprises combining the high-value metal source material with the leach composition in a batch reactor.

70. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5-6, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the continuous leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: i. commution of the high-value metal source material; and ii. agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the contacting step (b) comprises feeding the high-value metal source material through a series of reactors where it is contacted with the leach composition.

71. The method according to any one of claims 1-2 and 7-8, wherein wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and wherein the continuous leaching method comprises prior to step (a) one or both of: i. commution of the high-value metal source material; andii. agglomeration of the high-value metal source material; wherein the method further comprises prior to step (a) forming a heap comprising the high-value metal source material; and wherein the contacting step (b) comprises applying the leach composition to the heap.

72. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at around room temperature.

73. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 120 °C.

74. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 115 °C.

75. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 110 °C.

76. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 40 °C to about 100 °C.

77. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 120 °C.

78. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 115 °C.

79. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 110 °C.

80. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 50 °C to about 100 °C.

81. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 120 °C.

82. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 115 °C.

83. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 110 °C.

84. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 100 °C.

85. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein the contacting step is performed at a temperature from about 60 °C to about 90 °C.

86. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 60% to about 99% or about 60% to about 80%.

87. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 80% to about 99% or about 80% to about 90%.

88. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 90% to about 99.9% or about 90% to about 98%.

89. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein a recovery percentage of the high-value metal is about 98%% to about 99.9%.

90. The method according to anyone of claim 1-16, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises a halogen gas; and wherein the method comprises producing the halogen gas prior to or contemporaneous with the contacting step (a) and adding it to the leach composition.

91. The method according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein prior to the contacting step the leach composition is stable and has a pH of about 5 to about 12 or about 5 to about 10; and wherein prior to or contemporaneous with the contacting step (a) the pH of the leach composition is adjusted to a pH of below about 4 e.g., about 1 to about 4.

92. A leach composition for leaching a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material, the leach composition comprising:a. a solvent; b. an oxidizing agent; and c. a halogen salt; wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, the ether, the ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from a C1-C5 alkyl, a hydroxy group, and combinations thereof.

93. The leach composition according to claim 92, further comprising a ligand.

94. The leach composition according to claim 92, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and wherein the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

95. The leach composition according to claim 93, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; wherein the halogen salt is present at a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1 M and is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof; and wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and combinations thereof.

96. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent is selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

97. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, and combinations thereof.

98. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

99. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

100. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent does not comprise water.

101. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

102. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

103. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof;wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

104. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

105. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl- CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

106. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

107. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2- (C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

108. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-CIO alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

109. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O- (Cl -CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

110. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(Cl- C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

111. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-0-(C=0)-0-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n- OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O- (C=O)-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

112. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)- (Cl -CIO alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

113. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from a CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO- CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m- (C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(Cl-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more group independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; wherein the total number carbon residues is ten or less; and wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

114. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a compound selected from a structure represented by a formula:

115. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises a compound selected from a structure represented by a formula:

116. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises water.

117. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 35 wt% to about 65 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.

118. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.

119. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the water is present in an amount from about 45 wt% to about 55 wt%; and wherein the wt% is based on the total weight of the solvent.

120. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the solvent comprises polyethylene glycol.

121. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 200 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol.

122. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 600 g / mol to about 4,000 g / mol.

123. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol.

124. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,500 g / mol to about 2,500 g / mol.

125. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight from about 1,900 g / mol to about 2,100 g / mol.

126. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from chlorine, bromine, a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, a chloratesalt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, an organic peroxyacid, a superoxide, a peroxide-superoxide, an organic peroxyacid (and a salt thereof), a peroxyhydrate, a water-soluble organic peroxide, a nitrosodisulfonate, a hypochlorite, a hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, a chloroamine, a chloroamide, a chlorosulfamide, a bromoamine, a bromoamide, a bromosulfamide, a chlorosulfonic acid, a bromosulfonic acid, an inorganic peroxide (or salt thereof), an inorganic peroxyacid (or salt thereof), and combinations thereof.

127. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected to oxidize bromide.

128. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from a bromate salt, a perbromate salt, a chlorate salt, a chlorite salt, a perchlorate salt.

129. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof.

130. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the bromate salt, the perbromate salt, the chlorate salt, the chlorite salt, or the perchlorate salt do not comprise a calcium cation.

131. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the bromate salt, the perbromate salt, the chlorate salt, the chlorite salt, or the perchlorate salt comprise a calcium cation.

132. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the oxidizing agent has a concentration from about 0.1 to about 100 g / L based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition.

133. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the halogen salt is selected from an alkali metal bromide salt, an alkali chloride salt, an alkaline earth bromide salt, an alkaline earth chloride salt, and combinations thereof.

134. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the halogen salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof.

135. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

136. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof.

137. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the halogen salt has a concentration from about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M based on based on the total volume of the solvent leach composition.

138. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential that is greater than or equal to about 400 mV.

139. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 400 mV to about 900 mV.

140. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 500 mV to about 900 mV.

141. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 600 mV to about 900 mV.

142. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 700 mV to about 900 mV.

143. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 400 mV to about 800 mV.

144. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 500 mV to about 800 mV.

145. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 600 mV to about 800 mV.

146. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has an oxidization reduction potential from about 700 mV to about 800 mV.

147. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has a pH from about 1 to about 4.

148. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the composition has a pH from about 1 to about 3.

149. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the leach composition has a pH greater than about 5.

150. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 12.

151. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 10.

152. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 8.

153. The leach composition according to any one of claims 92-95, wherein the leach composition has a pH from about 5 to about 7.

154. The leach composition according to claim 93 or claim 95, wherein the ligand is a compound according to the following formula or a sodium or calcium salt thereofwhere each occurrence of Ri, R2, and R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4C0(0H), and -RsN^RsX ?) so long as at least one of Ri, R2, or R3 is -R4C0(0H); where each occurrence of Re and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R4C0(0H), and -RsN(R9)(Rio) so long as at least one of R6 and R7 is -R4C0(0H); where each occurrent of R5 and Rs is independently a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; where each occurrence of R9 and Rio is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and -RiCO(OH) so long as at least one of R9 and Rio is -R4C0(0H) where each occurrence of R4 is independently a bond, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a a Cl -Cl 2 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.

155. The leach composition according to claim 93 or claim 95, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, oxalate, malonate, tartrate, gluconate, nitrilotriacetic acid, phthalate, citramalate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diaminoethanetetraacetic acid (CDTA), trans- 1,2-Diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid (DCTA), nitrilotriacetic acid, N- hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), iminodiacetic acid (IDHA), propylenediaminetetraacetic acid (PDTA), sodium and calcium salts of any of the foregoing, and combinations thereof.

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