Compositions and methods for leaching high-value metals

Abstract

A recyclable, non-toxic solvent leach composition and method for leaching and extracting high-value metals, particularly platinum group metals (PGMs), copper, gold, and silver, is described. The leach composition includes: a. a solvent; b. an oxidizing agent; and c. a halogen salt. The method may include preparing a solvent leach composition, adding a 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 at a relatively low temperature for several hours to several days. After leaching, filtration may be performed to separate the solvent-soluble high-value metal from the insoluble residue. The method may further include refining the high-value metal and purifying the solvent. The purified solvent can be recycled / reused in the methods described herein.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, a co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled "METHOD FOR EXTRACTING COPPER," having application serial number 63 / 436,102, filed December 29, 2022, and a co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled "COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR LEACHING PRECIOUS METALS," having application serial number 63 / 462,485, filed April 27, 2023, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to metallurgical recycling, and specifically to compositions and methods for leaching and recovering high-value metals from various sources. [Background technology]

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

[0004] Their high intrinsic value and technological importance, combined with their scarcity in the Earth's crust, make high-value metals politically significant. The availability and control of these metals can affect geopolitical relations. Countries with large reserves of precious metals often hold a strategic advantage in trade negotiations and can influence global markets. Additionally, the extraction and trade of these metals can be a source of political tension as disputes arise over mining rights and environmental regulations. Collectively, the economic, technological, and political importance of these high-value metals underscore their crucial role in shaping the modern world.

[0005] Based on these economic, technological, and geopolitical implications, the extraction of high-value metals from mining concentrates and waste rock, as well as the recycling of high-value metals from used materials, is of great importance worldwide. As stricter environmental regulations are implemented around the world, the demand for sustainable production of these high-value metals to meet new environmental policies is increasing significantly.

[0006] Current approaches to extracting high-value metals, such as precious metals, involve a variety of techniques tailored to different sources and types of metal. Hydrometallurgical processes are widely used, using 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 cyanide solutions 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 their ores or concentrates. Smelting is a prominent example, in which ores are heated to high temperatures, which melt the metal so that it can be separated from impurities. This method is often used for base metals such as gold, silver, and copper.

[0008] Ion exchange and solvent extraction methods play an important role in metal recovery. These methods use selective resins or solvents to separate and recover metals from solution after leaching or other chemical processes. Electrowinning and electrorefining are electrochemical processes that allow the extraction and purification of metals such as gold, silver, and copper from solutions or impure sources.

[0009] When discussing metals such as copper, which are valuable but not traditionally considered "precious," extraction methods serve similar but 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 washing it with a leach solution to dissolve the copper, while SX-EW is used to refine the copper-rich solution obtained from heap leaching. Today, copper mines are becoming deeper, high-grade copper ores (usually oxide ores) are becoming rarer, and the presence of low-grade ores (usually sulfide ores) is significant. Recycling copper from post-consumer materials, such as electronic waste, is becoming increasingly important.

[0010] Despite these various extraction methods, many challenges remain in the industry. Traditional methods for extracting high-value metals from primary or secondary sources have used strong acids (e.g., HCl, HNO3) and / or toxic organic compounds (e.g., cyanides) and high temperatures (e.g., >100°C) to leach and extract the high-value metals (see U.S. Pat. No. 11,427,886, European Patent No. 1501,952, and Chinese Patent Publication No. 112,280,983). Capital intensity, high operating costs, and strict environmental regulations limit the implementation of traditional metallurgical processing options, particularly refinery-based operations, for the extraction of high-value metals. One of the most significant challenges for some of these high-value metals is the degradation of ore grades, which requires more extensive processing and leads to higher costs. Additionally, the management of electronic waste (e-waste) poses complex challenges because it contains a mixture of materials and components that must be separated and processed for metal recovery. Furthermore, traditional methods, such as cyanidation, can have adverse environmental impacts, leading to concerns about soil and water contamination. High energy consumption is another problem that contributes to both operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] Technological innovation is key to addressing these challenges. Researchers and companies are continually searching for more efficient and sustainable extraction methods. Economic factors, such as metal price fluctuations and market dynamics, also influence investment decisions in the mining and metallurgical sectors. Furthermore, complying with strict environmental and social regulations complicates operations. Overcoming these challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of metal extraction processes requires ongoing research, innovation, and sustainable practices. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides leaching compositions and methods for leaching and extracting various high-value metals using the leaching compositions. The leaching compositions and methods described in this disclosure overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional approaches, for example, providing higher overall recovery efficiencies, lower energy input, and reducing the use of environmentally unfriendly chemicals.

[0013] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a leaching composition for leaching high-value metals from a high-value metal source material. The leaching composition may include a solvent, an oxidizing agent, and a halogen salt, wherein the solvent is selected from water, polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof, and the alcohol, ether, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, and carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C1-C5 alkyl, hydroxyl, and combinations thereof.

[0014] The leaching composition may include a ligand.

[0015] In some embodiments, 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 embodiments, 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 a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of extracting a high value metal from a high value metal source material, which may include contacting the high value metal source material with a leach composition according to any one of claims 90 to 153 for a first period of time to form a high value metal slurry, filtering the high value metal slurry to remove impurities insoluble in the leach composition from the high value metal slurry 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 the infusion compositions and methods will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures 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 this disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

[0019] Further aspects of the present disclosure will be readily understood from a consideration of the detailed description set forth 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 indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a flow chart of a leaching process for high-value metals according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart of an extraction process for high-value metals according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a graph of the time dependent dissolution of the high value metal platinum, plotted as the amount of metal dissolved (PPM) in the lixiviant solution as a function of time (hours), for the disclosed methods and compositions compared to using aqua regia as the lixiviant. [Figure 3B]FIG. 1 is a graph of the time dependent dissolution of palladium plotted as the amount of metal dissolved (PPM) in the lixiviant solution as a function of time (hours) for the disclosed methods and compositions compared to using aqua regia as the lixiviant. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a graph of the time dependent dissolution of rhodium plotted as the amount of metal dissolved (PPM) in the lixiviant solution as a function of time (hours) for the disclosed methods and compositions compared to using aqua regia as the lixiviant. [Figure 4] 1 is a bar graph of the amount of platinum recovered (% Pt Recovery) and the amount of oxidant used in the leaching composition (% Oxidant Wt.) for examples of platinum leaching according to the disclosed method and composition. [Figure 5] 1 is a flow chart for in situ halogen gas generation for use in extraction processes for high-value metals according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Metallurgical recycling challenges often revolve around efficient separation, impurity management, environmental considerations, and the need to develop cost-effective and sustainable recycling processes. Addressing these challenges is critical to maximizing the recovery of valuable metals while minimizing environmental impact.

[0022] Sources of high-value metals range from mineral deposits to electronic waste, catalyst waste, and other types of industrial waste streams, and from photovoltaic cells and printed circuit boards to mining tailings. The complexities, which can include managing different grades of source material (often in complex mixtures of components, including hazardous substances), the need for greater separation and energy efficiency, and the need for environmentally friendly approaches, have proven difficult to overcome with existing methods.

[0023] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a leaching composition for leaching high-value metals from a high-value metal source material. The leaching composition may include a solvent, an oxidizing agent, and a halogen salt, wherein the solvent is selected from water, polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof, and the alcohol, ether, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, and carbonate ester are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C1-C5 alkyl, hydroxyl, and combinations thereof.

[0024] The leaching composition may include a ligand.

[0025] In some embodiments, 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.

[0026] In some embodiments, 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.

[0027] In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of extracting a high value metal from a high value metal source material, which may include contacting the high value metal source material with a leach composition according to any one of claims 90 to 153 for a first period of time to form a high value metal slurry, filtering the high value metal slurry to remove impurities insoluble in the leach composition from the high value metal slurry to form a pregnant solution, and extracting the high value metal from the pregnant solution, thereby forming a spent leach composition.

[0028] Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are described herein. Functions or structures well known in the art may not be described in detail for the sake of brevity and / or clarity. Aspects of the present disclosure employ techniques, such as metallurgy, that are within the skill of the art, unless otherwise indicated. Such techniques are fully described in the literature.

[0029] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed in range format herein. It should be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and, therefore, should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly recited as range boundaries, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges subsumed within that range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly recited. For illustrative purposes, 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 individual values ​​(e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and subranges within the stated range (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%). Where a stated range includes one or both of the boundaries, ranges excluding either or both of those included boundaries are also included in the disclosure; for example, the phrase "from x to y" includes the range from "x" to "y," as well as ranges greater than "x" and less than "y." Ranges can also be expressed as upper limits, e.g., "less than or equal to about x, y, z," and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of "about x," "about y," and "about z," as well as the ranges "less than x," "less than y," and "less than z." Similarly, the phrase "more than about x, y, z" should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of "about x," "about y," and "about z," as well as the ranges "greater than x," "greater than y," and "greater than z." In some embodiments, the term "about" can include conventional rounding to significant digits of a numerical value. Additionally, the phrase "about 'x' to 'y'," where 'x' and 'y' are numerical values, includes "about 'x' to about 'y'."

[0030] This disclosure is organized with the aid of various section headings, which are used for convenience and readability, and which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or the claims. The claims may, in some cases, incorporate features that are included in different section headings, and such combinations of features are understood to be encompassed by the disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure will be better understood with the aid of certain definitions and defined methods, which are detailed in the section entitled "Definitions and Methods." Other terms and methods may be described elsewhere in this disclosure, including in the Examples, and still other terms and methods will be understood by those of skill in the art upon reading the disclosure provided herein. All definitions and methods set forth herein should be understood to override any dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meaning of the defined terms.

[0032] High-value metal source materials In various aspects, the methods and leach compositions described herein are useful for leaching or extracting high-value metals from high-value metal source materials. The source material for high-value metals may primarily include any material containing high-value metals.

[0033] High-value metal source materials may include mineral 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, cost, 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.

[0034] mineral deposits Source materials can include mineral deposits. Mineral deposits are the primary source of high-value metals such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium. These deposits vary widely in terms of metal concentration and ore grade. High-value metals, including copper, gold, silver, and platinum group metals (PGMs), are typically mined from a variety of deposit types and geological settings.

[0035] Major mining operations extract large volumes of ore, ranging from thousands to millions of tons per year, although smaller operations can also be processed. In some embodiments, the methods include processing deposits ranging from 500 tons to 5 million tons of ore per day, 500 tons to 500,000 tons of ore per day, 500 tons to 100,000 tons of ore per day, 500 tons to 50,000 tons of ore per day, or 500 tons to 5,000 tons of ore per day.

[0036] Type of ore Ore types can often be characterized based on their chemical composition, and each type of ore presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for metal extraction, with factors such as ore composition, economic viability, and environmental considerations influencing the selection of extraction methods.

[0037] Oxide ore In some embodiments, the high-value metal source may include oxide ores. Oxide ores typically contain high-value metals such as copper, and sometimes 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 more widespread. Traditional extraction of high-value metals from oxide ores involves methods such as smelting, leaching, or solvent extraction electrowinning (SX-EW). Challenges with traditional approaches may include impurities in the ore, energy-intensive processes, and environmental concerns related to waste disposal and emissions.

[0038] sulfide ore In some embodiments, the high-value metal source may include sulfide ores. Sulfide ores contain valuable metals such as copper, gold, and silver, and are sometimes known to contain PGMs such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium. In addition to these valuable metals, sulfide ores often contain base metals such as lead, zinc, and nickel. Copper sulfide ores, particularly chalcopyrite, are common. Sulfide ores are abundant worldwide and found in a variety of geological environments. For example, chalcopyrite is found in multiple countries. Traditional methods for extracting sulfide ores include flotation, smelting, and hydrometallurgical processes. Challenges with traditional methods include the need for selective flotation due to similar sulfide minerals, the characteristics of refractory ores, sulfur emissions, and environmental impacts.

[0039] chromite ore In some embodiments, the high-value metal source may include chromite ore. Chromite ore contains primarily chromium, which is an important high-value metal in various industries. Iron and PGMs may also be present in some chromite deposits. Chromite ore is relatively abundant but is primarily used for chromium extraction. Chromite ore is often associated with layered intrusions of igneous rock. The primary conventional method for chromium extraction is reduction, typically employing an aluminothermic process. High energy requirements and environmental concerns regarding hexavalent chromium compounds are significant challenges in this approach to processing chromite ore.

[0040] Carbonate ore In some aspects, high-value metal sources may include carbonate ores. Carbonate ores are less common than oxide or sulfide ores, but may contain high-value metals such as copper. These ores may also contain metals such as iron and other elements. Carbonate ores are typically found in sedimentary environments. Smelting and other extraction methods are traditionally utilized for metal recovery. Challenges with these traditional approaches to carbonate ores can arise from impurities and complex mineral compositions.

[0041] silica ore In some aspects, the high-value metal source may include silicate ores. Silica ores may contain high-value metals, such as lithium, which is essential for lithium-ion batteries, as well as common elements, such as iron. These ores are less commonly used for specific metals, such as lithium. Silica ores are associated with igneous or metamorphic rocks. Traditional lithium extraction involves acid leaching and evaporation processes. Challenges with this traditional processing of silicate ores include impurities and complex mineralogy, which may require specialized extraction methods.

[0042] phosphate ore In some embodiments, the high-value metal source may include phosphate ore. Phosphate ore contains primarily phosphorus, which is not a high-value metal, but is essential for fertilizer production. Phosphate ore is relatively common and is found primarily in sedimentary environments. Traditional extraction methods involve chemical processing to produce phosphoric acid and fertilizer. A major challenge in phosphate ore processing is environmental concerns related to phosphate runoff, which can lead to water pollution.

[0043] Ore Grade Ore grade can be used to refer to the concentration of valuable metal within the ore. Ore grades of precious metals such as silver and gold, as well as platinum group metals, are typically expressed in grams per ton (g / t) or ounces per ton (oz / ton). For high-value typical metals such as copper, ore grade is often expressed as a percentage, which is the weight percent of the typical metal compared to the weight of the ore. Depending on the quality of the source, ore grades of high-value metals can vary widely.

[0044] Gold ore grades, in some embodiments, can range from less than 1 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 5 g / t. As used herein, gold-bearing ores are said to be high-grade when gold is present in the ore in amounts greater than 5 g / t, for example, up to about 20 g / t or more. As used herein, gold-bearing ores are said to be low-grade when gold is present in the ore in amounts of about 1 g / t or less.

[0045] Silver ore grades, in some embodiments, can range from less than 30 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 150 g / t. As used herein, a silver-bearing ore is said to be high-grade when silver is present in the ore in an amount greater than 150 g / t, for example, up to about 500 g / t or more. As used herein, a silver-bearing ore is said to be low-grade when silver is present in the ore in an amount less than or equal to about 30 g / t.

[0046] Copper ore grades can range from less than 0.5% to more than 3% in some embodiments. As used herein, copper-containing ores are said to be high grade when copper is present in the ore in amounts greater than 2%, for example, up to about 8% or more. As used herein, copper-containing ores are said to be low grade when copper is present in the ore in amounts of about 0.5%, or 0.1%, or less.

[0047] Platinum ore grades, in some embodiments, can range from less than 2 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 10 g / t. As used herein, platinum-containing ores are said to be high-grade when platinum is present in the ore in amounts greater than 10 g / t, e.g., up to about 100 g / t or greater. As used herein, platinum-containing ores are said to be low-grade when platinum is present in the ore in amounts of about 2 g / t, about 1 g / t, or less.

[0048] Palladium ore grades may range, in some embodiments, from less than 1 gram per ton (g / t) to more than 5 g / t. As used herein, palladium-containing ores are said to be high-grade when palladium is present in the ore in amounts greater than 5 g / t, for example, up to about 50 g / t, 100 g / t, or more. As used herein, palladium-containing ores are said to be low-grade when palladium is present in the ore in amounts less than about 1 g / t, about 0.5 g / t, or more.

[0049] Because rhodium ores are very rare, there are limited sources of information regarding typical concentrations in different ore grades. Rhodium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades of rhodium may range, in some embodiments, from less than 0.2 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, rhodium-containing ores are said to be high-grade when rhodium is present in the ore in amounts greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, for example, up to about 1.5 g / t or greater. As used herein, rhodium-containing ores are said to be low-grade when rhodium is present in the ore in amounts of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0050] Ruthenium ores are very rare, so sources of information regarding typical concentrations in different ore grades are limited. Ruthenium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Ore grades of ruthenium can range, in some embodiments, from less than 0.2 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, ruthenium-containing ores are said to be high-grade when ruthenium is present in the ore in amounts greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, for example, up to about 1.5 g / t or greater. As used herein, ruthenium-containing ores are said to be low-grade when ruthenium is present in the ore in amounts of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0051] Because iridium ores are very rare, there are limited sources of information regarding typical concentrations in different ore grades. Iridium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Iridium ore grades can range, in some embodiments, from less than 0.2 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, an iridium-containing ore is said to be high-grade when iridium is present in the ore in amounts greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, for example, up to about 1.5 g / t or greater. As used herein, an iridium-containing ore is said to be low-grade when iridium is present in the ore in amounts of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0052] Because selenium ores are very rare, there are limited sources of information regarding typical concentrations in different ore grades. Selenium is often found in low concentrations, even in high-grade PGM ores. Selenium ore grades can range, in some embodiments, from less than 0.2 grams per ton (g / t) to more than 1 g / t. As used herein, selenium-containing ores are said to be high-grade when selenium is present in the ore in amounts greater than 0.8 g / t or 1 g / t, for example, up to about 1.5 g / t or greater. As used herein, selenium-containing ores are said to be low-grade when selenium is present in the ore in amounts of about 0.5 g / t or less.

[0053] Electronic waste (E-Waste) 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 widespread use of electronic devices, e-waste volumes have become enormous, reaching millions of tons annually worldwide. Challenges in e-waste recycling include the need for efficient separation technologies due to the complex mixture of materials, hazardous substances, and diversity of electronic components. Traditional recovery methods include shredding, sorting, crushing, gravity separation, and various hydrometallurgical processes designed to extract valuable metals from e-waste streams.

[0054] The concentration of gold in e-waste typically ranges from 0.1 to 1.5 grams per ton (g / t). This range covers a variety of electronic devices, including circuit boards, connectors, and memory chips. High-end devices, such as 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 concentration 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 concentration typically ranges from 1 to 5 g / t.

[0055] Industrial waste (including catalysts) Industrial waste, which may contain high-value metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, and silver, is generated across a variety of industries. Industrial waste production volumes vary significantly by industry and location. In some aspects, industrial waste includes catalytic converters from automobiles. In other aspects, industrial waste includes catalysts from industrial waste streams. Challenges of 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 characteristics of the particular metals and waste.

[0056] Platinum is often found in trace amounts in industrial waste, typically in the range of 5 parts per billion (ppb) to 5 parts per million (ppm). Platinum is associated with various industrial catalysts and can be recovered from waste streams generated by industries such as petroleum refining and chemical manufacturing. Palladium concentrations in industrial waste can vary from 5 ppb to 50 ppm. Palladium is commonly used in catalytic converters in the automotive industry, and waste from automotive manufacturing and repair processes can contain higher concentrations of palladium. Rhodium is relatively rare in industrial waste and is typically found in trace amounts, often in the range of 5 ppb to 1 ppm. Rhodium is used in catalytic converters and certain chemical processes. The concentration of gold in industrial waste can vary greatly depending on the specific industry. In electronics manufacturing waste, gold can be found in the range of 0.1 to 1 g / t, or even higher. In other industrial waste streams, gold can be present in lower concentrations, typically in the range of 5 ppb to 5 ppm. Silver is used in a variety of industrial applications, and its concentration in waste can vary. In some industrial processes, silver waste can contain concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 g / t. In other cases, it can be present at lower concentrations of 5 ppb to 5 ppm.

[0057] Mining concentrates and waste rocks: Mining concentrates are valuable portions of mined ores that have undergone processing to remove undesirable materials, leaving behind a concentrated product rich in the desired mineral or metal. The goal of ore processing is to separate the valuable minerals from the ore matrix, which often contains a mixture of minerals and gangue (undesirable materials). 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 containing a significantly higher percentage of the target metal or mineral. The concentration of high-value metals in mining concentrates can be very high.

[0058] Mine tailings, the waste material left over from mining operations, can still contain high-value metals such as gold, silver, copper, and sometimes platinum group metals (PGMs). The amount of tailings depends on the scale of the mining operation. Challenges include reprocessing the tailings to recover the metals, addressing environmental concerns, and developing cost-effective methods. Recovery methods vary but can include gravity separation, flotation, and hydrometallurgical processes adapted to the specific tailings composition.

[0059] The concentration ranges of gold, silver, copper, and platinum group metals (PGMs) found in mining waste can vary widely, depending on the type of ore processed, the extraction method used, and the specific mineralogical composition of the waste. In some embodiments, waste from gold and silver mining operations can contain relatively high concentrations of gold or silver, ranging from 2 grams per ton (g / t) to 10 g / t. However, in waste from base metal or other non-gold and non-silver mining operations, gold and silver concentrations are typically much lower, often in the range of 1 g / t or less. In waste from copper mining operations, copper concentrations can range from 10% or more to about 0.5% or less. PGM concentrations in mining waste can vary widely based on the specific ore and mining method. In some cases, waste from PGM mining operations can contain higher PGM concentrations, with individual PGMs such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium ranging from a few g / t to over 10 g / t.

[0060] Leaching composition In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to solvent leaching compositions comprising at least one solvent, at least one oxidizing agent, and at least one halogen salt. In some aspects, the solvent leaching compositions further comprise at least one ligand. The disclosed solvent leaching compositions are useful in the disclosed methods and processes for extracting high-value metals from high-value metal materials using the disclosed leaching methods. In further aspects, one or more solvents in the solvent leaching composition comprise green (non-toxic and biodegradable), non-aqueous solvents. In still further aspects, the disclosed solvent leaching compositions maximize the solubility of leached high-value metals, including, but not limited to, PGMs, copper, gold, and silver.

[0061] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the oxidizing agent in the solvent leaching composition reacts with the halogen salts present in the same composition, resulting in in situ oxidation, at least in part, in the formation of halogen compounds that act as powerful oxidizing agents for the high-value metals in the high-value metal materials used in the disclosed methods.

[0062] In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a stable solvent leached composition comprising the disclosed solvent leached composition, wherein the pH of the solvent leached composition is adjusted to a pH value greater than about 5, thereby providing a stable solvent leached composition. In still further aspects, the pH of the solvent leached composition is adjusted to a pH of about 5 to about 12. In still further aspects, the pH of the solvent leached composition is adjusted to a pH of about 5 to about 10. In still further aspects, the pH of the solvent leached composition is adjusted to a pH of about 5 to about 8. In still further aspects, the pH of the solvent leached composition is adjusted to a pH of about 5 to about 7.

[0063] oxidizing agent In further embodiments, oxidizing agents include, but are not limited to, ozone, chlorine, bromine, bromates, perbromates, hydrogen peroxide, chlorates, chlorites, perchlorates, organic peracids, superoxides, peroxide-superoxides, organic peracids (and their salts), hydroperoxides, water-soluble organic peroxides, nitrosodisulfonates, hypochlorites, hypobromites, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, chloramides, chlorosulfamides, bromoamines, bromoamides, bromosulfamides, chlorosulfonic acid, bromosulfonic acid, inorganic oxidizing agents, and combinations thereof.

[0064] In further embodiments, the oxidizing agent includes, but is not limited to, chlorine, bromine, bromate, perbromate, hydrogen peroxide, chlorate, chlorite, perchlorate, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is selected from lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is a lithium salt. While not wishing to be bound by theory, in some cases, lithium salts can be used due to the relatively small ionic radius of lithium and, therefore, its greater solubility in the disclosed solvents. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is selected from sodium bromate, potassium bromate, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent can be an alkali salt, such as a calcium salt, e.g., calcium bromate. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that in some cases, the oxidizing agent, which is a calcium salt, can precipitate from the solvent leaching composition while combining with impurities resulting from the disclosed methods.

[0065] In further embodiments, oxidizing agents may include, but are not limited to, organic peracids, superoxides, peroxide-superoxides, organic peracids (and their salts), hydroperoxides, water-soluble organic peroxides, nitrosodisulfonates, hypochlorites, hypobromites, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, chloramides, chlorosulfamides, bromoamines, bromoamides, bromosulfamides, chlorosulfonic acid, bromosulfonic acid, and combinations thereof.

[0066] In further embodiments, the oxidizing agent can include one or more inorganic oxidizing agents. In still further embodiments, the inorganic oxidizing agent is an inorganic peroxide (or a salt thereof), an inorganic peracid (or a salt thereof), and combinations thereof.

[0067] In a further embodiment, the oxidizing agent may include one or more acids.

[0068] In further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leaching composition at a concentration of about 0.01 grams / liter to about 250 grams / liter, based on the total volume of the solvent leaching composition. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leaching composition at a concentration of about 0.1 grams / liter to about 100 grams / liter, based on the total volume of the solvent leaching composition. In still further embodiments, the oxidizing agent is present in the solvent leaching composition at a concentration of about 2 grams / liter to about 20 grams / liter, based on the total volume of the solvent leaching composition.

[0069] halogen salts In further embodiments, 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 still further embodiments, the halogen salt is selected from an alkali metal bromide salt, an alkali chloride salt, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the halogen salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the halogen salt comprises a first halogen salt comprising a calcium cation 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 still further embodiments, the halogen salt comprises a halogen salt comprising a calcium cation and a halide anion, such as calcium bromide or calcium chloride. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, as discussed elsewhere, there are instances in which calcium halogen salts, used alone or in combination with another halogen salt, may be useful for precipitating reaction impurities formed using the disclosed methods. Furthermore, without wishing to be bound by theory, calcium salts can react with impurities such as sulfides formed using the disclosed methods with high-value metal materials, and / or when mineral acids are used in the disclosed methods (e.g., sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid was used as an additional reagent in the disclosed methods). Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that cations with smaller ionic radii (e.g., lithium cations), such as lithium, may have higher solubility in the solvent of the solvent leaching composition. In some cases, when a halide salt containing a cation that forms an insoluble salt is used, it may be desirable to use a cation that can essentially completely precipitate from the reaction mixture of the disclosed methods (e.g., calcium salts). The anion in the halide salt can also be selected to have a size appropriate for the cation used. For example, when the cation is lithium, smaller halide anions such as bromide and chloride can be used.

[0070] In further embodiments, the amount of halogen salt in the solvent leaching composition is sufficient to solubilize high-value metal halide complexes from the high-value metal materials used in the disclosed methods and to maintain an ORP high enough to maintain the high-value metals obtained from the high-value metal materials in ionic form in the reaction mixture. In still further embodiments, the halogen salt is present in an amount of about 0.01 M to about 2.0 M, based on the volume of the solvent leaching composition. In still further embodiments, the halogen salt is present in an amount of about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M, based on the volume of the solvent leaching composition. In still further embodiments, the halogen salt is present in an amount of about 0.2 M to about 0.5 M, based on the volume of the solvent leaching composition.

[0071] solvent In a further aspect, the disclosed leaching composition comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, carbonate esters, and combinations thereof, wherein the alcohols, ethers, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, carbonate esters are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C1-C5 alkyl, hydroxyl groups, and combinations thereof.

[0072] In further embodiments, the solvent comprises one or more alcoholic and etheric solvents, including, for example, but not limited to, 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol or MMB. In still further embodiments, at least one solvent comprises a C1-C10 alkyl compound containing at least one hydroxy group and / or at least one ether moiety. In still further embodiments, at least one solvent comprises an alcoholic solvent such as ethanol, methanol, glycol alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0073] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof.

[0074] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, and combinations thereof.

[0075] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof.

[0076] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from polyethylene glycols, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof.

[0077] In a further embodiment, the solvent is free of water.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the solvent is water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH 3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-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-(C1-C10 alkanediyl) alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-( and a solvent selected from C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0079] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0080] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0081] In a further aspect, 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)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0082] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0083] 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, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0084] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0085] In a further aspect, 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-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0086] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0087] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0088] In a further aspect, the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the solvent is water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO— ...OH, and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0090] In a further embodiment, the solvent is CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO— ... and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

[0091] In a further embodiment, the solvent has the formula: CH3OH, CH3CH2OH, HOCH2CH2OH, [ka] and combinations thereof.

[0092] In a further embodiment, the solvent has the formula: CH3OH, CH3CH2OH, [ka] and compounds having structures represented by combinations thereof.

[0093] In a further embodiment, the solvent is 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol or MMB, i.e., a compound having the following formula: [ka] It is a compound having a structure represented by:

[0094] In further embodiments, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 200 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol. In still further embodiments, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 600 g / mol to about 4,000 g / mol. In still further embodiments, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol. In still further embodiments, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,500 g / mol to about 2,500 g / mol. In still further embodiments, the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,900 g / mol to about 2,100 g / mol. In still further embodiments, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods. In this context, a material or compound (e.g., a solvent) capable of carrying out a chemical or physical process, such as dissolution of a material, is understood to refer to the appropriate selection of a specified material or compound, such as a solvent or combination of solvents, capable of providing the necessary chemical and / or physical properties to carry out the indicated process, such as dissolution. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one high-value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and dissolving at least one high-value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and dissolving at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods and dissolving at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods.In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, dissolving at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, and dissolving at least one high-value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, dissolving at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, and dissolving at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, dissolving at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods, and dissolving at least one high-value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In still further embodiments, the solvent is capable of dissolving at least one oxidizing agent used in the disclosed methods, dissolving at least one halide salt used in the disclosed methods, dissolving at least one ligand used in the disclosed methods, and dissolving at least one high-value metal obtained using the disclosed methods. In further aspects, the solvent or mixture of solvents can provide both solubility (i.e., dissolution) and stability of the various components used in or formed in the disclosed methods. For example, in still further aspects, the solvent or mixture of solvents can provide dissolution of the at least one oxidizing agent in the methods, the at least one halide salt in the methods, and / or the one or more resulting high-value metals, and can provide stability of various reagents or materials during the course of carrying out the disclosed methods, e.g., the at least one oxidizing agent in the methods, the at least one halide salt in the methods, and / or the one or more resulting high-value metals. In some cases, the solvent or mixture of solvents can facilitate the in situ and gradual formation of particularly effective oxidation reaction conditions.Thus, the disclosed solvent leaching compositions provide improved control of the oxidant and overall oxidation reaction, which enables the disclosed methods to minimize chemical consumption to reduce the overall cost of leaching high-value metals from high-value metal materials.

[0095] In a further aspect, the solvent, or mixture of solvents, does not react with other reagents used in the disclosed methods, such as oxidizing agents and / or halide salts, and essentially acts as a medium for dissolution of the reagents and high-value metals.

[0096] In a further embodiment, the solvent further comprises water. In yet a further embodiment, the concentration of water may range from about 1% to about 99% by weight based on the total solvent mass, with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of the disclosed solvents, such as an alcohol- or ether-based solvent. In yet a further embodiment, the concentration of water may range from about 40% to about 70% by weight based on the total solvent mass, with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of the disclosed solvents, such as an alcohol- or ether-based solvent. In yet a further embodiment, the concentration of water may range from about 45% to about 55% by weight based on the total solvent mass, with the remainder of the solvent being one or a mixture of the disclosed solvents, such as an alcohol- or ether-based solvent. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that in some cases, the use of water in the solvent mixture can reduce material and operating costs associated with the leaching process.

[0097] In a further embodiment, depending on the material containing the high-value metals, and the oxidizing agent and halide salts used, water can be added to the solvent mixture, so long as the water content does not adversely affect the efficiency and recovery of the high-value metals.

[0098] In a further embodiment, depending on the material containing the high-value metal, and the oxidizing agent and halide salt and ligand used, water can be added to the solvent mixture, so long as the water content does not adversely affect the efficiency and recovery of the high-value metal.

[0099] In further embodiments, the solvent is water. In some cases, without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of a solvent consisting essentially of water provides an environment in which the oxidizing agents and halide salts used in the solution leaching composition are highly soluble in the solvent, thereby allowing for in situ oxidation in the solution mixture.

[0100] In further embodiments, the solvent is water. In some cases, without wishing to be bound by theory, the use of a solvent consisting essentially of water provides an environment in which the oxidizing agents, halide salts, and ligands used in the solution leaching composition are highly soluble in the solvent, thereby allowing for in situ oxidation in the solution mixture.

[0101] In a further embodiment, the solvent is water-free and is used without dilution with water.

[0102] Ligand In a further aspect, the ligand is a compound according to the following formula: [ka] wherein each occurrence of R, R, and R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, —RCO(OH), and —RN(R)(R), so long as at least one of R, R, or R is —RCO(OH); Each occurrence of R and R can be H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, —RCO(OH), and —RN(R)(R 10 ) independently selected from the group consisting of each occurrence of R5 and R8 is independently C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; R9 and R 10 Each occurrence of R9 and R 10are independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and —RCO(OH), so long as at least one of Each occurrence of R4 is independently a bond, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.

[0103] In some embodiments, 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.

[0104] In still further embodiments, the ligand is selected from sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ie, EDTA), and combinations thereof.

[0105] Methods for leaching high-value metals In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to methods and processes for recovering high-value metals from high-value metal materials using the disclosed leaching methods, the methods including contacting the high-value metal material with the disclosed solvent leach composition, thereby forming a high-value metal slurry comprising a high-value metal noble leach solution and insoluble impurities, filtering the insoluble impurities from the high-value metal slurry, and extracting the high-value metal from the high-value metal noble leach solution. In further aspects, the high-value metal material may be a noble metal material comprising a primary source such as a mining extract including concentrates, ores (e.g., sulfide or oxide ores), or waste rock, or a secondary source such as spent catalysts, e.g., spent automotive catalysts, noble metal-containing membranes, e.g., hydrogen membrane fuel cells, hydrogen electrolysis, noble metal-containing electrodes, e.g., mixed metal oxides (MMOs), e-waste, spark plugs, noble metal-containing sensors, alloys, and recycled materials, including recycled dental equipment. In a further aspect, the high-value metal material may be copper material, including primary sources such as mining extracts, including concentrates, ores (e.g., sulfide or oxide ores, including covellite and chalcopyrite), or waste rock, or secondary sources such as electronic waste, printed circuit boards (i.e., PCBs), computing boards, graphics cards, data processing boards, electrical cables, copper-containing sensors, alloys, and recycled materials, including recycled electrical and electronic equipment. In still a further aspect, the disclosed methods can be used to smelt high-value metals. It is understood that high-value metals include elements such as Cu, Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os, and that platinum group metals ("PGM" or "PGMs") include Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os.

[0106] In a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for leaching and extracting a high value metal from a high value metal material, the method comprising preparing the disclosed solvent leach composition; contacting a 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 precious leach solution and solids retained by the filter comprising insoluble impurities; and extracting the high value metal from the high value metal precious solution.

[0107] In a further aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for leaching and extracting a high-value metal from a high-value metal material, the method comprising: providing a stable solvent leach composition as disclosed; adjusting the pH of the stable solvent composition to a pH of less than about 4; contacting a high-value metal material with the solvent leach composition, thereby forming a high-value metal slurry; filtering insoluble impurities from the slurry; and extracting the high-value metal from the high-value metal precious solution, wherein the high-value metal slurry comprises the high-value metal precious solution and the insoluble impurities, and the high-value metal slurry comprises from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the high-value metal material. In yet a further aspect, the high-value metal slurry comprises from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the high-value metal material.

[0108] In some embodiments, the leaching method is carried out by immersing the high-value metal material in a solvent leach composition containing a solvent, a halogen salt, and one or more oxidizing agents. In some embodiments, the solvent leach composition may further include a ligand. The resulting mixture is agitated to perform the agitation leaching process. The high-value metal is then oxidized in the resulting mixture to form a high-value metal salt that is soluble in the solvent leach composition.

[0109] Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that soluble halides in the solvent leach composition can react directly with an oxidizing agent to produce a stronger oxidizing agent (e.g., bromine) that oxidizes the high-value metals in the high-value metal material, converting them to charged ions and subsequently producing soluble high-value metal salts that are soluble in the solvent leach composition. To achieve successful dissolution of the high-value metals into the solvent leach composition, the solution oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) can exceed about 400 mV, as measured using a standard silver / silver chloride electrode. This ORP amount is sufficient to convert the high-value metals to ionic form and form soluble complexes with the halide ions present in the solution. The solvent leach composition selectively dissolves the resulting high-value metal salts, leaving other elements, metals, and materials in solid form.

[0110] In a further embodiment, the ORP can be from about 400 mV to about 900 mV. In yet a further embodiment, the ORP can be from about 600 mV to about 900 mV. In yet a further embodiment, the ORP can be from about 700 mV to about 800 mV.

[0111] In further embodiments, the ORP may vary based on the concentration of high-value metals in the high-value material and the high-value metal material. For example, the ORP for e-waste material may be about 800 mV, while for low-grade copper ore, the ORP may be about 500 mV to about 600 mV.

[0112] In further aspects, the disclosed methods may employ the injection or mixing of one or more of the oxidizing agents disclosed herein into the reaction mixture instead of, or in addition to, the in situ oxidation reactions described herein.

[0113] Thus, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that dissolution of the high-value metal into the solvent leach composition results in a solid residue that is not soluble in the solvent leach composition, and thus the solvent leach composition is soluble or converted into a slurry containing dissolved high-value metal precious leach solution and solid residue. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the solid residue in the slurry may include solid residue that is carried into the reaction mixture from the high-value metal material (i.e., present prior to the disclosed methods for leaching and extraction) and / or may arise as a precipitate from the above-mentioned reactions during the course of the reactions of the disclosed methods. In a further embodiment, the resulting impure solid residue may be substantially free of high-value metal.

[0114] In a further aspect, the leaching stage includes a filtration step in which the slurry is filtered to separate the high-value metal noble leach solution from a solid residue, which may be washed, for example, using an organic solvent or water.

[0115] The high-value metal precious leach solution and solid residue may be weighed and assayed, for example, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Completing a mass balance can provide values ​​for high-value metal recovery and solvent dissolution efficiency. Some extraction values ​​are presented in the examples below.

[0116] Leaching solution temperature, pH, agitation speed, pulp density (which is the amount of solid high-value metal material in solution), ORP, pressure, and the time the high-value metal material is in contact with the solvent leaching composition are important parameters to be monitored or controlled by the leaching process. The effect of some of these parameters on high-value metal extraction is illustrated in the examples provided.

[0117] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a high-value metal leaching process 100. In a first step 110, a solvent leaching composition is prepared by combining a solvent, a halogen salt, and an oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, in a first step 110, a solvent leaching composition is prepared by combining a solvent, at least a halogen salt, at least an oxidizing agent, and at least a ligand.

[0118] The solvent leaching composition is sufficiently stable to carry out the reactions that occur in the reaction mixture of the disclosed method. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the solvent leaching composition does not include the oxidant-halogen salt oxidation reaction and the reactions that occur after the addition of the high-value metal material in step 120. Additionally, the solvent can maximize the solubility of the reagents and oxidant and reaction products, which increases the efficiency of the extraction while minimizing chemical venting and evaporation, dramatically reducing the cost of extraction. The solvent leaching composition increases the solubility and stability of the oxidant and reagents in the oxidation phase, which subsequently facilitates control of the amount of oxidant required in the leaching process and aids in the development of in situ and gradual oxidation, minimizing chemical consumption in the process and dramatically reducing the cost of recovering high-value metals.

[0119] In step 120, the high-value metal material, preferably in powder form, is contacted with the solvent leaching composition (e.g., added to or immersed in a prepared solvent leaching composition in a suitable reactor / reaction vessel). In some embodiments, the high-value metal-containing material may be in any other form besides lumps and fine powders. However, in general, smaller sized materials tend to result in higher efficiencies and metal recoveries, primarily due to, for example, reduced passivation layers, increased permeability, and increased surface area. In further embodiments, use of the disclosed methods, particularly for leaching Rh- and Ru-containing materials, can utilize small sized powders, such as submicron powders, of the high-value metal material.

[0120] As indicated above, the high-value metal material may be a primary source, such as a mining extract, including concentrates, ores (e.g., sulfide or oxide ores), or waste rock, or a secondary source, such as recycled materials, including spent catalysts, such as used automotive catalysts; precious metal-containing membranes, such as hydrogen membrane fuel cells; hydrogen electrolysis; precious metal-containing electrodes, such as mixed metal oxides (MMOs); electronic waste; spark plugs; electronic waste; PCBs; computing boards; graphics cards; data processing boards; high-value metal-containing sensors; alloys; and recycled dental equipment. It should be noted that, using the proposed leaching process, there is no particular limit on the carbon content in the high-value metal material, as the leaching process can be operated at low temperatures (and thus without burning the carbon content, e.g., without incineration or calcination). Furthermore, the carbon does not participate in the reaction and remains unreacted during the leaching process 100.

[0121] In step 130, the mixture of solvent leach composition and high-value metal material is stirred, for example, using a magnetic stirrer, to carry out the actual leaching reaction. Depending on the type (e.g., Cu, Ag, Au, or PGM), size, and quantity of the high-value metal-containing material, the solvent leach composition may be stirred for 0.5 to 96 hours, preferably 8 to 24 hours. As previously mentioned, the presence of an oxidizing agent already present in the solvent leach composition results in the oxidation of the high-value metal and the formation of high-value metal salts that are soluble in the solvent leach composition. The solvent leach composition selectively dissolves the resulting high-value metal salts, leaving other elements, metals, and materials in solid form.

[0122] An acid may be added to the mixture containing the solvent leach composition and the high-value metal-containing material to lower the pH and maximize the efficiency of the reaction. A variety of acids may be used during step 130, including mineral acids, organic acids, and mixtures thereof. In further embodiments, the added acid may be selected from hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In still further embodiments, the added acid may be selected from sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the acid may be selected to be relatively safe for the production process and / or to introduce minimal impurities into the solvent leach composition. The acid may be dilute or concentrated. Concentrated acids may be preferred because they have no or minimal impact on the water mass balance throughout the leaching process 100. The pH during step 130 is generally between 0 and 5, preferably between 1 and 3.

[0123] In further embodiments, the choice of acid may depend on the oxidizing agent and halogen salt used, as well as the choice of potential ligand. For example, if bromate or hypobromite is used in the solvent leaching composition, the pH will be about 3, and stronger acids may be used. Alternatively, if a chlorine derivative is used, the pH of the solvent leaching composition may be lowered to 0-1, and weaker acids may be used.

[0124] During step 130, the ORP may be about 400 mV or greater. In further embodiments, the ORP may be about 600 mV or greater. In some cases, an ORP of 600 mV or greater may be useful for more completely oxidizing high-value metals in the high-value metal material. In still further embodiments, the ORP may be about 400 mV to about 900 mV. In still further embodiments, the ORP may be about 600 mV to about 900 mV. In still further embodiments, the ORP may be about 700 to 800 mV. In some embodiments, an ORP of about 900 mV or greater may result in oxidation of other components of the solvent leaching composition, including water, which may in turn increase the acidity of the solvent leaching composition. In some cases, it may be desirable to minimize oxidation of other components in the solvent leaching composition, such as water, to provide an improved process environment, including from a safety standpoint.

[0125] In step 140, the leaching slurry is filtered to separate the liquid solution and solid residue from one another. The slurry is passed through a filter (including, but not limited to, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride based filters) having a pore size of about 1 μm to about 25 μm. In further embodiments, the filter has a pore size of about 5 μm to about 10 μm. The flow of the slurry through the filter can be by gravity, although in some cases, the filtration can be performed using vacuum or positive pressure.

[0126] The leaching method 100 can be part of a high-value metal extraction process. Figure 2 shows a flow chart of a high-value metal extraction process 200. The extraction process 200 includes a material preparation stage 210, a leaching stage 220, and an extraction stage 230.

[0127] In material preparation stage 210, one or more high-value metal materials (e.g., mining extract or spent automotive catalyst) are prepared, for example, by grinding into a fine powder. In leaching stage 220, the prepared material is added to a solvent leach composition to leach the high-value metals and obtain a high-value metal noble leach solution. In some embodiments, leaching stage 220 may include a continuous tank leaching step 222, which may allow continuous leaching with a continuous feed of prepared material. Leaching stage 220 may further include a filtration step 224, similar to filtration step 140 of FIG. 1, to filter the leach slurry and separate the high-value metal noble leach solution and solid residue from each other. In step 226, the solid residue (i.e., leach tailings) may be further processed. In step 226, the solid residue may be monitored for any hazardous materials and may be disposed of or prepared for further material extraction. In some embodiments, the solid residue may contain secondary high-value metals that may be recovered through a secondary process, such as a secondary leaching process. For example, when leaching electronic waste, the high-value metal noble leach solution may contain primarily copper, with the remaining solid residue containing silver or other noble metals that can be recovered through further leaching processes. In some embodiments, in step 228, the high-value metal noble leach solution may be stored, for example, in a high-value metal noble leach solution storage tank, for subsequent high-value metal extraction. In extraction stage 230, the high-value metals are extracted from the high-value metal noble leach solution.

[0128] In extraction stage 230, the high-value metal is extracted from the high-value metal precious leach solution. In some embodiments, high-value metal extraction stage 230 may include a solvent extraction electrowinning (hereinafter referred to as SX-EW) step 232, resulting in the extraction of the high-value metal in the form of a high-value metal cathode 234. The SX / EW process may include a solvent extraction stage (SX) in which the high-value metal precious leach solution is contacted with an extractant, such as an organic solvent, to produce a high-grade high-value metal-containing solution containing a high concentration of high-value metal ions, while leaving behind a high-value metal-depleted phase. The high-value metal-depleted phase, which may contain the remainder of the solvent leach composition, may be purified and recycled in solvent purification stage 240 for reuse in leaching stage 220. The recycled solvent can be reused to dissolve the high-value metal from new high-value metal material. The high-grade, high-value metal-containing solution then proceeds to an electrowinning stage (EW) where the high-value metal ions in the solution are electrochemically reduced to a metal cathode 234 .

[0129] The high value metals extraction process 200 may further include a high value metals refining stage where the high value metals are refined. In further embodiments, each stage of the high value metals extraction process 200 may occur in a separate physical location separate from the other stages.

[0130] In further aspects, the preparation step 210 may further include preparing a solvent leach composition as previously described. The solvent leach composition may be prepared by mixing the solvent, oxidizing agent, halide salt, and potentially a ligand, as described above. For storage and shipping purposes, the pH of the prepared solvent leach composition may be increased, for example, by adding a hydroxide salt (e.g., an alkali hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide). At pH values ​​above 5, the oxidizing agent in the solvent leach composition may be temporarily inactivated until the pH drops below 5. In such embodiments, for the leaching step 220, any suitable acid may be added to the solvent leach composition to reduce the pH level to between 0 and 5 and initiate in situ reactions with the high-value metal-containing material.

[0131] In some embodiments, leaching method 100 may differ from the agitated leaching process described in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Particularly when leaching high-value metal materials from primary sources, heap and vat leaching methods can be used, in which, rather than adding the high-value metal material to a prepared solvent leach composition, the solvent leach composition can be added to the high-value metal material after it has been prepared in a step similar to step 110. In such leaching methods, the solvent leach composition is first sprayed or deposited on the high-value metal material and then allowed to flow through the high-value metal material, for example, using gravity. Thus, while not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that as the solvent leach composition flows through the high-value metal material, the high-value metal dissolves in the solvent leach composition, thus transforming the solvent leach composition into a high-value metal noble leach solution. In some embodiments, the solvent leach composition may flow through the high-value metal material for an extended period of time, such as weeks or months.

[0132] In some embodiments, the methods include batch leaching methods for high-value metals. Batch leaching methods may involve processing finite amounts of ore or source material in separate batches, as opposed to continuous methods. Batch leaching methods may include commutation of the source material. Commutation may include grinding, crushing, grinding, and combinations thereof. The process may begin with crushing the source material to achieve a consistent particle size. The methods may include agglomeration of the high-value metal source material. For example, the crushed source material may be agglomerated, in some embodiments, by mixing with a binder such as lime or cement to improve permeability and ensure uniform flow of the leach solution. The methods may then include contacting a leach composition with the source material in a batch reactor or tank. The source material and leach composition are allowed to react for a specified period of time, often ranging from several hours to several days. During this time, the leach composition dissolves the high-value metal from the source material. The process may include a solid-liquid separation to separate the liquid phase (pregnant liquor) from the solid phase (residual insoluble material).

[0133] In some embodiments, the method may include a continuous leaching process. Continuous recovery methods for high-value metals typically involve continuous processing systems that continuously extract metals from ores or other source materials. These methods are often used in industrial-scale operations to achieve efficient and consistent metal recovery. Provided herein is a detailed description of a continuous recovery method, specifically, a continuous vat leach (CVL) process.

[0134] The method may include a heap leaching method. Heap leaching is a common method used to extract high-value metals, such as gold and copper, from low-grade ores. This process involves stacking the ore in a heap on an impermeable liner, washing it with a leach solution, and dissolving the metals over time. A detailed description of heap leaching for high-value metals is provided herein. The method may include commutation of the high-value metal source material and / or agglomeration of the high-value metal source material. For example, the source material may be crushed and combined with a binder (often cement or lime) to improve the permeability of the heap and increase metal recovery. An impermeable liner, often made of a synthetic material such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or clay, may be placed at the base of the leach pad to prevent the leach solution from seeping into the ground. The agglomerated ore may then be stacked in a heap on the liner. The heap is typically constructed in lifts or layers, with each layer compacted to ensure good contact between the ore particles. The leach solution is percolated downwardly through the heap, dissolving the target metals from the source material particles as they pass through.

[0135] definition Unless otherwise defined, 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. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this disclosure and the related art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0136] As used herein, the articles "a" and "an," when applied to any feature of the aspects of the invention described herein and in the claims, mean one or more. The use of "a" and "an" does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limitation is specifically stated. The article "the" preceding a singular or plural noun or noun phrase refers to one particular named feature or to more than one particular named feature and can have singular or plural connotations depending on the context in which it is used.

[0137] As used herein, "comprising" should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, items, steps, or components as referred to, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, items, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Furthermore, the terms "by," "comprising," "comprises," "comprised of," "including," "includes," "included," "involving," "involves," "involved," and "such as" are each used in an open, non-limiting sense and can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, the term "comprising" is intended to include examples and embodiments 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."

[0138] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. When preceding a list of elements, phrases such as "at least one of" modify the entire list of elements, and not each individual element of the list.

[0139] As used herein, nomenclature for compounds, including organic compounds, can be given using nomenclature recommendations such as common name, IUPAC, IUBMB, or CAS. When one or more stereochemical features are present, the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for stereochemistry can be employed to designate stereochemical priority, E / Z specification, etc. One skilled in the art can readily ascertain the structure of a compound given a name by systematically reducing the compound's structure using the naming rules or by any of the commercially available software, e.g., CHEMDRAW™ (Cambridgesoft Corporation, USA).

[0140] Reference to "a" chemical compound is not limited to a single molecule of that chemical compound, but refers to one or more molecules of that chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules may or may not be identical, so long as they fall within the category of that chemical compound. Thus, for example, "a" chemical compound is understood to include one or more molecules of that chemical compound, which may or may not be identical (e.g., different isotope ratios, enantiomers, etc.).

[0141] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references 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, etc.

[0142] As used herein, "3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol" and "MMB" may be used interchangeably and have the formula: [ka] It refers to a compound having the structure given by

[0143] 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.

[0144] As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a branched or unbranched saturated hydrocarbon group of 1 to 24 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, s-pentyl, neopentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, dodecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, eicosyl, tetracosyl, and the like. An alkyl group can be cyclic or acyclic. An alkyl group can be branched or unbranched. An alkyl group can also be substituted or unsubstituted. For example, an 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 1 to 6 (e.g., 1 to 4) carbon atoms. The term alkyl group also refers to C1 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, etc., up to and including C1-C24 alkyl.

[0145] Throughout this specification, the term "alkyl" is used generally to refer to both unsubstituted and substituted alkyl groups. However, substituted alkyl groups are also specifically referred to herein by identifying the particular substituents on the alkyl group. For example, the term "halogenated alkyl" or "haloalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more halides, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Alternatively, the term "monohaloalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group substituted with a single halide, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. The term "polyhaloalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group independently substituted with two or more halides; i.e., each halide substituent need not be the same halide as another halide substituent, and multiple instances of halide substituents need not be on the same carbon. The term "alkoxyalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more alkoxy groups, as described below. The term "aminoalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more amino groups. The term "hydroxyalkyl" specifically refers to an alkyl group substituted with one or more hydroxy groups. If "alkyl" is used in one instance and a specific term such as "hydroxyalkyl" is used in another instance, this does not mean that the term "alkyl" does not also refer to the specific term such as "hydroxyalkyl."

[0146] As used herein, the term "alkanediyl" refers to a divalent saturated aliphatic group having one or two saturated carbon atoms as points of attachment, a straight or branched, cyclo, cyclic or acyclic structure, no carbon-carbon double or triple bonds, and no atoms other than carbon and hydrogen. Groups such as -CH-(methylene), -CHCH-, -CHC(CH)CH-, and -CHCHCH- are non-limiting examples of alkanediyl groups.

[0147] As used herein, the term "ether" refers to a group of the formula A 1 Office Automation2 wherein A 1 and A 2 may independently be an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein. As used herein, the term "polyether" refers to a group of groups of the formula -(A 1 Office Automation 2 O) a wherein A 1 and A 2 may independently be an alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, or heteroaryl group as described herein, and "a" is an integer from 1 to 500. Examples of polyether groups include polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, and polybutylene oxide.

[0148] "R 1 "," "R 2 "," "R 3 ",... "R n " (where n is an integer), as used herein, can independently have one or more of the groups listed above. For example, R 1 When is a straight-chain alkyl group, one of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may optionally be substituted with a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, a halide, or the like. Depending on the group selected, the first group may be incorporated into the second group, or alternatively, the first group may be pendant (i.e., attached) to the second group. For example, when the phrase "an alkyl group comprising an amino group" is used, the amino group may be incorporated within the backbone of the alkyl group. Alternatively, the amino group may be attached to the backbone of the alkyl group. The nature of the group selected will determine whether the first group is embedded in or attached to the second group.

[0149] 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 can be the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this disclosure, heteroatoms such as nitrogen can have hydrogen substituents and / or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein that satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms. This disclosure is not intended to be limited in any way by the permissible substituents of organic compounds. The terms "substituted" or "substituted with" also include the implicit proviso that such substitution is subject to the permissible valences of the substituted atom and substituent, and that substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., a compound that does not spontaneously undergo transformation by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, and the like. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, unless expressly stated to the contrary, individual substituents may be further optionally substituted (ie, further substituted or unsubstituted).

[0150] As described herein, compounds of the present disclosure may contain "optionally substituted" moieties. In general, the term "substituted," whether preceded by the term "optionally," means that one or more hydrogens of the specified moiety have been 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 substituents may be the same or different at all positions. Combinations of substituents envisioned by the present disclosure are preferably those that result in the formation of stable or chemically feasible compounds. It is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, individual substituents can be further optionally substituted (i.e., further substituted or unsubstituted).

[0151] As used herein and in the concluding claims, a residue of a chemical species refers to a moiety that is a product of a chemical species obtained in a particular reaction scheme or subsequent formulation or chemical product, regardless of whether that moiety is actually derived from that chemical species. Thus, an ethylene glycol residue in a polyester refers to one or more -OCH2CHO- 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 derived by reacting sebacic acid or its ester to obtain the polyester.

[0152] The term "organic residue" defines a carbon-containing residue, i.e., a residue containing at least one carbon atom, and includes, but is not limited to, carbon-containing groups, residues, or radicals defined herein above. Organic residues may contain various heteroatoms or may be bonded to another molecule via heteroatoms, including oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and the like. Examples of organic residues include, but are not limited to, alkyl or substituted alkyl, alkoxy or substituted alkoxy, mono- or di-substituted amino, amido groups, and the like. Organic residues may preferably contain 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 further embodiments, organic residues may contain 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.

[0153] Unless stated to the contrary, formulas having chemical bonds shown only as solid lines, and not as wedges or dashed lines, encompass all possible isomers, e.g., individual enantiomers and diastereomers, as well as mixtures of isomers, such as racemic or scalemic mixtures. The compounds described herein may 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 and isolated specific stereoisomers are also included. During the course of synthetic procedures used to prepare such compounds, or when using racemization or epimerization procedures known to those of skill in the art, the products of such procedures may be mixtures of stereoisomers.

[0154] Reference to "a" chemical compound is not limited to a single molecule of that chemical compound, but refers to one or more molecules of that chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules may or may not be identical, so long as they fall within the category of chemical compound being described. Thus, for example, reference to "a" chemical compound, such as a polymer, is understood to include one or more polymer molecules of the polymer, which may or may not be identical (e.g., one or more different molecular weights consistent with a molecular weight defined for a polymer, such as a weight average molecular weight).

[0155] 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 disclosed herein as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if a value of "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 a value of "about 10" is disclosed, then "10" is also disclosed.

[0156] When a range is expressed, a further embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. For example, when the stated range includes one or both of the boundaries, ranges excluding either or both of those included boundaries are also included in the disclosure; for example, the phrase "from x to y" includes ranges from "x" to "y," as well as ranges greater than "x" and less than "y." Ranges can also be expressed as upper limits, e.g., "up to about x, y, z," and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of "about x," "about y," and "about z," as well as ranges "less than x," "less than y," and "less than z." Similarly, the phrase "equivalent to about x, y, z" should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of "about x," "about y," and "about z," as well as ranges "greater than x," "greater than y," and "greater than z." Additionally, the phrase "about 'x' to 'y'" (where 'x' and 'y' are numerical values) includes "about 'x' to about 'y'."

[0157] It should be understood that such range formats are used for convenience and brevity and, therefore, should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly recited as range boundaries, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges subsumed within that range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly recited. By way of example, 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 individual values ​​(e.g., about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, and about 4%) and subranges within the stated range (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).

[0158] As used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," "at or about," and "substantially" mean that the amount or value in question may be an exact value or a value that will provide an equivalent result or effect 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 are not necessarily, exact and may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as necessary, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art to provide equivalent results or effects. In some circumstances, it may not be possible to reasonably determine a value that will provide an equivalent result or effect. In such cases, as used herein, "about" and "at or about" are generally understood to mean the nominal value, subject to a ±10% variation, unless otherwise indicated or inferred. In general, a quantity, size, formulation, parameter, or other quantity or characteristic is "about," "approximately," or "at or about," regardless of whether it is expressly stated as such. When "about," "approximately," or "at or about" is used before a quantitative value, unless otherwise specified, it is understood that the parameter also includes the particular quantitative value itself.

[0159] As used herein, the term "contacting" refers to bringing a disclosed analyte, compound, solvent, composition, chemical, or material into proximity with another disclosed analyte, compound, solvent, composition, chemical, or material, as indicated by the context. For example, a solvent leaching composition contacting a high-value metal-containing material refers to the solvent leaching composition being in proximity to the high-value metal-containing material, such that the high-value metal-containing material interacts with and binds to the high-value metal-containing material through ionic, dipolar, and / or van der Waals interactions. In some cases, contacting may include both physical and chemical interactions between the indicated components. It is understood that chemical interactions can include 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 leaching composition contacting a high-value metal-containing material is understood to mean that the solvent leaching composition is in physical and chemical contact with the high-value metal-containing material, which may include covalent, ionic, and non-covalent interactions.

[0160] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount sufficient to achieve a desired physical property modification of a composition or material. For example, an "effective amount" of a solvent leaching composition refers to an amount sufficient to achieve a desired leaching of a high-value metal from a material containing the high-value metal. The particular level in terms of weight percent, volume percent, and / or ratio (either weight or volume ratio) in the composition required as an effective amount will depend on various factors, including the amount and type of material containing the high-value metal, the amount and type of solvent leaching composition, and economic considerations.

[0161] As used herein, the term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes cases where the said event or circumstance occurs and cases where it does not occur.

[0162] The specific 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 available from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Co., (Milwaukee, Wis.), Acros Organics (Morris Plains, NJ), Fisher Scientific (Pittsburgh, Pa.), or Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.), or are generally described in such publications 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 Supplementals (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). These compounds are prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art, following procedures described in references such as (Inc., 1989).

[0163] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method described herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps are to be followed, or where the claim or description does not otherwise specifically state that the steps are limited to a particular order, no order is intended to be inferred in any respect. This applies to any possible non-expressive basis for interpretation, including matters of logic regarding the arrangement of steps or operational flow, the apparent meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, as well as the number or type of embodiments described herein.

[0164] Disclosed are components used to prepare the disclosed compositions, and the compositions themselves used within the methods disclosed herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed, it is understood that specific reference to the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of each of these compounds may not be explicitly disclosed, but each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, when a particular compound is disclosed and discussed, and several modifications that can be made to several molecules comprising the compound are discussed, each and every combination and permutation of the compound and possible modifications is specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, when a class of molecules A, B, and C, and a class of molecules D, E, and F, and an example of a combined molecule (AD), are disclosed, it is intended to mean that each, individually and collectively, is considered to disclose combinations AE, AF, BD, BE, BF, CD, CE, and CF, even if each is not individually listed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also disclosed. Thus, for example, the subgroups of AE, BF, and CE would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this application, including, but not limited to, steps in the methods of making and using the disclosed compositions. Thus, where there are various additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed in any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0165] It is understood that the compositions disclosed herein have specific functions. Disclosed herein are specific structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and it is understood that there are various structures that can perform the same functions related to the disclosed structures, and that these structures typically achieve the same results.

[0166] Unless otherwise specified, temperatures referred to herein are based on atmospheric pressure (ie, 1 atmosphere).

[0167] The following abbreviations are used throughout this specification:

[0168] Abbreviation Meaning MMB 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol ORP Oxidation-Reduction Potential PGM Platinum group metals, i.e., Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, and Os SCE Standard Calomel Electrode XRF X-ray fluorescence XRFS X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

[0169] Aspects of the Disclosure The present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following numbered aspects, which should not be confused with the claims. In some cases, the following aspects may be combined with one or more additional aspects, or other aspects described elsewhere in this disclosure and the accompanying examples. All such variations and combinations are intended to be covered by this disclosure. Embodiment 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 of any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the solvent in the leaching composition is selected from the group consisting of water, polyethylene glycol, alcohol, ether, ketone, and combinations thereof; the oxidizing agent in the leaching composition is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; and the halogen salt in the leaching composition 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. Embodiment 3. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor. Embodiment 4. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, and the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor. Embodiment 5. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition with the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors. Embodiment 6. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, and the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition with the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors. Embodiment 7. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a heap leaching method, and the contacting step comprises applying the leaching composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material. Embodiment 8. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a heap leaching method, and the contacting step comprises applying the leaching composition to a heap comprising the high-value metal source material. Embodiment 9. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, further comprising, prior to step (a), one or both of commuting the high value metal source material and agglomerating the high value metal source material. Embodiment 10. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the method comprises step (i), and wherein commutation is selected from the group consisting of milling, crushing, grinding, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 11. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the method comprises step (ii), and the agglomeration step is selected from the group consisting of drum agglomeration, pan agglomeration, pugmill agglomeration, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 12. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the first period of time is from about 0.5 hours to about 48 hours. Embodiment 13. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the first period of time is from about 8 hours to about 24 hours. Embodiment 14. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the first period of time is from about 1 week to about 10 weeks. Embodiment 15. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the first period of time is from about 24 hours to about 96 hours. Embodiment 16. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the first period of time is from about 30 days to about 1 year. Embodiment 17. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source is selected from the group consisting of mining extracts, recycled materials, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 18. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of mineral 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. Embodiment 19. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a mining extract selected from the group consisting of mining concentrate, ore, mining tailings, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 20. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a low-grade ore. Embodiment 21 The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is not a high-grade ore. Embodiment 22. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high-value metal source material is electronic waste. Embodiment 23. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the ore is selected from sulfide ores, oxide ores, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 24. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material is a recycled material selected from the group consisting of spent catalysts, hydrogen membrane fuel cells, high-value metal-containing electrodes, electronic waste, spark plugs, high-value metal-containing sensors, alloys, recycled dental equipment, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 25. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-containing electrode comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Ru, Os, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 26 The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a spent catalyst, such as a spent catalyst for an automobile, such as a catalytic converter. Embodiment 27 The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high-value metal source material comprises a metal-containing electrode that is a mixed metal oxide (MMO) electrode. Embodiment 28. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high value metal is gold and the high value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of low-grade oxide ore containing gold, low-grade sulfide ore containing gold, electronic waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1.5 g / t gold, industrial waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1 g / t gold, mining tailings containing from about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t gold, and combinations thereof, and wherein the recovery of gold from the high value metal source is about 90% or greater. Embodiment 29. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal is silver, and 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, electronic waste containing from about 5 g / t to about 100 g / t of silver, industrial waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t of silver, mining tailings containing from about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t of silver, and combinations thereof, and wherein the recovery of silver from the high value metal source is about 90% or greater. Embodiment 30. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the high value metal is copper, and 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, electronic waste containing about 10% to about 30% copper, mining tailings containing about 0.5% to about 10% copper, and combinations thereof, and wherein the recovery of copper from the high value metal source is about 90% or greater. Aspect 31. The method of any one of Aspects 1-91, wherein the high value metal is a platinum group metal and the high value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of sulfide ore containing platinum group metals, chromite ore containing platinum group metals, silicate ore containing platinum group metals, electronic waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 5 g / t of palladium, industrial waste containing from about 5 ppb to about 5 ppm of platinum group metals, mining tailings containing from about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t of platinum group metals, and combinations thereof, and wherein recovery of the platinum group metal from the high value metal source is about 90% or greater. Embodiment 32. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH of about 0 to about 5. Embodiment 33. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH of about 1.5 to about 3.5. Embodiment 34. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry has a pH of about 2 to about 3. Aspect 35. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 91, further comprising adding an effective amount of an acid to the slurry to adjust the pH to about 0 to about 5, about 1.5 to about 3.5, or about 2 to about 3. Embodiment 36. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the acid is selected from hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 37. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 5% to about 50% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 38. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 10% to about 50% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 39. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 15% to about 50% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 40. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 20% to about 50% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 41. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 5% to about 40% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 42. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 10% to about 40% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 43. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 15% to about 40% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 44. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 20% to about 40% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 45. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 5% to about 30% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 46. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 10% to about 30% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 47. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, the method of any one of claims 1-16, about 30 wt. % high-value metal material. Embodiment 48. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 20% to about 30% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 49. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 5% to about 25% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 50. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 10% to about 25% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 51. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 15% to about 25% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 52. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises about 20% to about 25% by weight of the high value metal material. Embodiment 53. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step further comprises agitating the slurry. Embodiment 54. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step further comprises heating the slurry to a temperature of from about 40°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 55. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step further comprises heating the slurry to a temperature of from about 40°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 56. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of from about 40°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 57. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 40°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 58. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 50°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 59. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 89, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of from about 50°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 60. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 89, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of from about 50°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 61. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 89, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 50°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 62. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 60°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 63. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of from about 60°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 64. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of from about 60°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 65. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 60°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 66. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the heating of the slurry is to a temperature of about 60°C to about 90°C. Embodiment 67. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, further comprising purifying the spent leaching composition to form a purified leaching composition. Embodiment 68. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, further comprising repeating step (a) with the purified leaching composition. Embodiment 69. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a batch leaching method, the batch leaching method comprising, prior to step (a), one or both of commutation of the high value metal source material and agglomeration of the high value metal source material, and wherein the contacting step (b) comprises combining the high value metal source material with the leaching composition in a batch reactor. Embodiment 70. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching process, the continuous leaching process comprising, prior to step (a), one or both of commutation of the high value metal source material and agglomeration of the high value metal source material, and the contacting step (b) comprises feeding the high value metal source material through a series of reactors in contact with the leaching composition. Embodiment 71. The method of any one of embodiments 1-91, wherein the method comprises a continuous leaching method, the continuous leaching method comprising, prior to step (a), one or both of commutation of the high value metal source material and agglomeration of the high value metal source material, and the method further comprises, prior to step (a), forming a heap comprising the high value metal source material, and the contacting step (b) comprises applying the leaching composition to the heap. Embodiment 72 The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at about room temperature. Embodiment 73. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 74. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 75. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 76. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 40°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 77. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 78. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 79. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 80. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 81. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 120°C. Embodiment 82. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 115°C. Embodiment 83. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 110°C. Embodiment 84. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 100°C. Embodiment 85. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the contacting step is carried out at a temperature of from about 60°C to about 90°C. Embodiment 86. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the recovery rate of the high-value metal is from about 60% to about 99%, or from about 60% to about 80%. Embodiment 87. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the recovery rate of the high-value metal is about 80% to about 99%, or about 80% to about 90%. Embodiment 88. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the recovery rate of the high-value metal is from about 90% to about 99.9%, or from about 90% to about 98%. Embodiment 89. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the recovery rate of the high-value metal is about 98% to about 99.9%. Embodiment 90. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 91, wherein the oxidizing agent comprises a halogen gas, and the method comprises, prior to or concurrently with the contacting step (a), generating the halogen gas and adding it to the leaching composition. Aspect 91. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 91, wherein prior to the contacting step, the leaching composition is stable and has a pH of about 5 to about 12 or about 5 to about 10, and prior to or concurrent with the contacting step (a), the pH of the leaching composition is adjusted to a pH of less than about 4, for example, about 1 to about 4. Aspect 92. A leaching composition for leaching a high-value metal from a high-value metal source material, the leaching composition comprising: a solvent; an oxidizing agent; and a halogen salt; wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, a carboxylic acid, an ester, a carbonate ester, and combinations thereof; and wherein the alcohol, ether, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, carbonate ester is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from C1-C5 alkyl, hydroxyl, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 93. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, further comprising a ligand. Aspect 94. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 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 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 leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 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; 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. Aspect 96. The infusion composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent is selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof. Aspect 97. The infusion composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohol, ether, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 98. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, an alcohol, an ether, a ketone, and combinations thereof. Aspect 99. The infusion composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from polyethylene glycol, alcohol, ether, ketone, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 100. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the solvent does not include water. Aspect 101. The solvent is water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-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-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH 3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, 156. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, comprising a solvent selected from HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, wherein the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 102. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 103. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 104. The leaching composition of 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)-(C1-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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 105. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 106. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 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, optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues being 10 or less, and each of m and n being independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 107. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from 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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 108. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 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-(C1-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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 109. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 110. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 111. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the solvent is selected from CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 112. The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent is water, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n—CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n—OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n—OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m—(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n—CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m—(C═O)—( 156. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, comprising a solvent selected from: C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-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 groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Aspect 113. The solvent is CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)mO-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-(C 156. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, comprising a solvent selected from: HO—CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2 ... and combinations thereof, wherein the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl, the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, and each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1. Embodiment 114. The solvent has the following formula: CH3OH, CH3CH2OH, [ka] 156. The infusion composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, comprising a compound selected from the structures represented by: Embodiment 115. The solvent has the following formula: [ka] 156. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, comprising a compound selected from the structure represented by: Embodiment 116. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises water. Embodiment 117. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 35% by weight to about 65% by weight, the weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent. Embodiment 118. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 40% by weight to about 60% by weight, the weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent. Embodiment 119. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 45% by weight to about 55% by weight, the weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent. Embodiment 120. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the solvent comprises polyethylene glycol. Embodiment 121. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 200 g / mol to about 20,000 g / mol. Embodiment 122. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 600 g / mol to about 4,000 g / mol. Embodiment 123. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,000 g / mol to about 3,000 g / mol. Embodiment 124. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,500 g / mol to about 2,500 g / mol. Embodiment 125. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the polyethylene glycol has an average molecular weight of about 1,900 g / mol to about 2,100 g / mol. Aspect 126. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from chlorine, bromine, bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, perchlorate, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, organic peracids, superoxide, peroxide-superoxide, organic peracids (and their salts), hydroperoxides, water-soluble organic peroxides, nitrosodisulfonates, hypochlorite, hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, chloramides, chlorosulfamides, bromoamines, bromoamides, bromosulfamides, chlorosulfonic acid, bromosulfonic acid, inorganic peroxides (or salts thereof), inorganic peracids (or salts thereof), and combinations thereof. Embodiment 127. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected to oxidize bromide. Embodiment 128. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, and perchlorate. Aspect 129. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof. Aspect 130. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, or perchlorate does not include calcium cations. Aspect 131. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, or perchlorate comprises calcium cations. Embodiment 132. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the oxidizing agent has a concentration of about 0.1 to about 100 g / L, based on the total volume of the solvent leaching composition. Aspect 133. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from alkali metal bromide salts, alkali chloride salts, alkaline earth bromide salts, alkaline earth chloride salts, and combinations thereof. Aspect 134. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, lithium bromide, and combinations thereof. Aspect 135. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof. Aspect 136. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 155, wherein the halogen salt is selected from lithium bromide, sodium bromide, potassium bromide, and combinations thereof. Embodiment 137. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the halogen salt has a concentration of about 0.1 M to about 1.0 M, based on the total volume of the solvent leaching composition. Embodiment 138. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV or greater. Embodiment 139. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV to about 900 mV. Embodiment 140. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 500 mV to about 900 mV. Embodiment 141. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 600 mV to about 900 mV. Embodiment 142. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 700 mV to about 900 mV. Embodiment 143. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV to about 800 mV. Embodiment 144. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 500 mV to about 800 mV. Embodiment 145. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 600 mV to about 800 mV. Embodiment 146. The leaching composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 700 mV to about 800 mV. Embodiment 147. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a pH of about 1 to about 4. Embodiment 148. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the composition has a pH of about 1 to about 3. Embodiment 149. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the infusion composition has a pH greater than about 5. Embodiment 150. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the infusion composition has a pH of about 5 to about 12. Embodiment 151. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the infusion composition has a pH of about 5 to about 10. Embodiment 152. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the infusion composition has a pH of about 5 to about 8. Embodiment 153. The infusion composition of any one of embodiments 92 to 155, wherein the infusion composition has a pH of about 5 to about 7. Embodiment 154. The ligand is a compound according to the following formula: [ka] wherein each occurrence of R1, R2, and R3 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, —R4CO(OH), and —RN(R6)(R7), so long as at least one of R1, R2, or R3 is —R4CO(OH); and each occurrence of R6 and R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, —R4CO(OH), and —RN(R9)(R7), so long as at least one of R6 and R7 is —R4CO(OH). 10 each occurrence of R5 and R8 is independently C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; R9 and R 10 Each occurrence of R9 and R 10

[00130] The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92-155, wherein each occurrence of R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and -RCO(OH), so long as at least one of R is -RCO(OH), and each occurrence of R is independently a bond, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl. Aspect 155. The leaching composition of any one of aspects 92 to 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-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. [Example]

[0170] Having now described aspects of the present disclosure, the following examples generally illustrate some additional aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure will be described in connection with the following examples and corresponding text and figures, but it is not intended to limit aspects of the present disclosure to this description. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), but some error and deviation should be accounted for. Unless otherwise indicated, parts are parts by weight, temperature is in ° C. or is ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric pressure.

[0171] Example 1: Reference Example - Leaching Test The agitated leaching and extraction process was carried out in a round-bottom flask placed in a thermostatically controlled water bath or a beaker equipped with a magnetic stirrer. The halogen salt was dissolved in the solvent and then poured into the flask. Once the solvent leaching composition reached a predetermined temperature of approximately 20°C to approximately 90°C, the sample containing the high-value metals was added. In some cases, once the solvent leaching composition reached a predetermined temperature of approximately 40°C to approximately 70°C, the sample containing the high-value metals was added. The magnetic stirrer was maintained at a rotation speed of approximately 600 rpm, and the pH of the solvent leaching composition was maintained at approximately 1 to approximately 4. Pulp density was maintained below 10% w / w for all tests. Test times varied from several hours to several days. Because the solution was continuously used, there was no waste of reagents or solvents, making the process unique and novel. After leaching, the high-value metal precious leach solution and waste (i.e., solid residue) were weighed and assayed using XRF methodology. In some embodiments, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was used to obtain high-value metal grades in the solution medium before and after stirred leaching. All recoveries in the examples are calculated based on the high-value metal extracted from the solids and the high-value metal remaining in the solid residue. For example, if a head sample contains 100 grams of high-value metal, and 99 grams are extracted, resulting in a recovery of 99%, this means that 1 gram of high-value metal remains in the solid residue. Completing a mass balance provides solvent recovery and efficiency values, which are presented in the examples.

[0172] When an oxidizing agent such as lithium bromate is added to a bromide salt, preferably lithium bromide dissolved in a solvent, the bromide is oxidized to bromine. The reaction is as follows: BrO3-+ 5Br-+ 6H+→ 3Br2 + 3H2O (1a)

[0173] The bromine produced is a strong oxidizing agent that dissolves in the solvent. By reducing the pH and adding excess acid to the reaction, bromine becomes the primary component. Because bromine is soluble in the solvent, it remains bromine throughout the reaction and does not hydrolyze the solution to produce hydrobromic acid, a strong acid. Therefore, the pH is maintained around 4-5, and the extraction is carried out in a safe environment. Acid can be added to the solvent to reduce the pH and maximize efficiency. The acid can be diluted or concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, or citric acid. In another embodiment, adding an oxidizing agent, such as lithium chlorate, to a chloride salt, such as lithium chloride, can oxidize the chloride to chlorine, as shown below. ClO3-+ 5Cl-+ 6H+→ 3Cl2 + 3H2O (1b)

[0174] In yet another exemplary embodiment, adding an oxidizing agent such as, for example, chlorine to a bromide salt, for example, lithium bromide, can oxidize the bromide to bromine as shown below. Cl2 + 2Br-a Br2 + 2Cl- (1c)

[0175] When the pH is reduced, for example to below 4, the oxidizing strength of bromine is favorable for dissolving high-value metals, particularly PGMs. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce the pH to about 1 to about 3. When platinum and palladium, or other PGMs, react with halides such as bromine, a PGM halide salt, such as a PGM bromide salt or a PGM chloride salt, is produced, which can be highly soluble in the solvent leach composition. The following reaction is an exemplary such reaction, 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)

[0176] In some embodiments, copper can be reacted with a halide, such as bromine, to produce copper halide salts, such as copper bromide or copper chloride, which are highly soluble in solvent leaching compositions, as shown by the following reactions: The following reactions are exemplary of such reactions (References 3-4), where X is a halogen, such as Br or Cl: Cu + X2 → CuX2 (10) CuFeS2 + 3Cu2+ NaBr / H2 O → 4Cu + + Fe2+ + 2S0 (11) CuFeS2 + 5 / 2Br2 + 3 / 2H2SO4 +1 / 6Na2SO4 + 2H2 O → S 0+ 5Br-+ CuSO4 +1 / 3NaFe3(SO4)2(OH)6 + 5H+ (12) Cu2S + 0.5O2 + 2H+ + 4Cl-→ 2CuCl 2-+ H2O + S0 (13) CuFeS2+Cl2→[CuCl, CuCl 2, FeCl2, FeCl3]+S0 (14)

[0177] Example 2: Exemplary Disclosed Methods A sample of very high-grade spent catalyst material containing PGMs was ground to a grind size of P100, 125 μm (meaning 80% of the particles were less than 75 μm in size and 100% of the particles were less than 125 μm in size) to increase the overall surface area of ​​the PGM-containing material and enhance the leaching response. The sample was riffled into two homogenous samples. Each sample was used in two leaching tests, as described in the reference examples above, under the same conditions except for the solution. One sample was immersed in aqua regia (3:1 hydrochloric and nitric acid), one of the most powerful leaching agents, and the other sample was leached in the solvent leaching composition of the present disclosure.

[0178] Tests were conducted at room pressure and room temperature for 96 hours at a pulp density of 5% w / w for both tests. The amount of PGM dissolved in solution was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) at 1, 6, 33, and 96 hours. The results are shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C for Pt, Pd, and Rd, respectively. In the first 6 hours, 200 ppm of platinum dissolved in the solvent leaching composition compared to 170 ppm in aqua regia; 3800 ppm of palladium dissolved in the solvent leaching composition compared to 3200 ppm in aqua regia; and 410 ppm of rhodium dissolved in the solvent leaching composition compared to 320 ppm in aqua regia. The results indicate that the disclosed solvents had greater leaching kinetics and dissolved higher amounts of high-value metals into solution compared to aqua regia.

[0179] Example 3: Exemplary Disclosed Methods A sample of spent catalyst containing PGM was pulverized to P100, 125 μm. The sample was leached using the disclosed solvent as described in the reference example above. The sample was assayed using an XRF device. Results indicated that the sample contained 1850 ppm palladium, 207 ppm platinum, and 350 ppm Rh. Leaching tests were conducted at a pulp density of 10% w / w for 6 hours, one at room temperature and the other at 50°C. The recoveries of Pd, Pt, and Rh for both temperatures are shown in Table 1. There is a significant increase in Pt and Rh recovered at 50°C compared to room temperature. Because Pd is generally easier to extract, there is a slight increase in the amount of Pd recovered at 50°C compared to room temperature. [Table 1]

[0180] Example 4: Exemplary Disclosed Methods Spent refinery catalyst containing high-grade platinum levels was used as the sample. The sample was pulverized to a grind size of P100, 125 μm. The effect of the oxidizer level (wt%) in the solvent leaching composition on the solvent efficiency was studied. All tests were conducted at 45°C for 12 hours at a pulp density of 5% w / w, as described in the Reference Example. The results of this example are shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the higher the oxidizer level in the solvent leaching composition, the greater the amount of platinum dissolved.

[0181] Example 5: Exemplary Disclosed Methods Various samples of spent catalyst material containing PGMs loaded on different matrices, including zirconia-titania, silicon carbide, and mixed matrices (silica, alumina, cerium oxide, silicon carbide), were leached using the disclosed solvents as described in the Reference Examples. The samples were leached in a pilot-plant scale commercial reactor with an operating capacity of 300 US gallons. 250 gallons of the solvent leach composition were mixed with approximately 100 kg of high-value metal material. The samples were assayed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave acid digestion. The leaching pilot test was conducted at 75°C for 24 hours at a pulp density of 10% w / w. Sample characterization and recoveries of Pd, Pt, and Rh are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0182] Example 6: Exemplary Disclosed Methods Further exemplary disclosed methods (different substrate matrices, solvents, temperatures) are provided herein below in Table 3, using the general procedures described herein in the Examples. [Table 3] [Table 4] [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0183] Example 7: Prophetic Exemplary Method In some exemplary embodiments, one or more of the following processes can be used to add halogen gas as an oxidizing agent to the solvent leached composition: direct halogen gas addition, in situ chemical halogen gas generation, and electrochemical halogen gas generation.

[0184] When halogen gas is added directly, halogen-oxygen leaching procedures, such as chlorine-oxygen or bromine-oxygen leaching procedures, can be used, in which halogen gas is combined with oxygen in an acidic environment to convert copper sulfide to soluble forms such as halides and sulfates. In this method, the halogen and oxygen can be added in the form of pressurized gas dispensed from a high-pressure cylinder at a controlled rate. The leaching reactor can be sealed and its temperature controlled to maximize leaching efficiency. The following reactions provide exemplary reactions for chlorine (References 1-2): Cl2 + H2O → HCl + ClOH (15) CuS + HCl + 1 / 2O2 → CuCl 2 + S0 + H2O (16) CuS + 4HOCl → CuSO 4 + 4HCl (17) 4CuS(s) + 8Cl -(aq) + 4H+(aq) + O2 (g) → 4CuCl 2(aq) + 2H2O(l) + 4S0(s) (18) Copper sulfide + 2Cu2+ (chloride complex) → 4Cu+ (chloride complex) + S (19) 2Cu+(chloride complex) + 2H++1 / 2O2 → 2Cu2+(chloride complex) + H2O (20)

[0185] Once leaching is complete, excess halogen can be recovered in the form of a scrubbing system using sodium hydroxide to produce, for example, sodium hypochlorite, as represented by Equation 21. From that point on, halogen gas can be regenerated by acidification, as represented by Equation 22. The regenerated halogen gas can be used as a second method of halogen addition, which is in situ halogen gas generation. The following reaction provides an exemplary reaction for chlorine: Cl2+ 2NaOH →NaOCl + NaCl + H2O (21) NaOCl + 2HCl → Cl2+ H2O + NaCl (22)

[0186] In the second addition method, halogen gas, such as chlorine gas, is generated in situ from a halogen-containing precursor in the leaching reactor. For example, a combination of a halogen bleach, such as chlorine bleach (NaOCl), and an acid can be added to the reactor in a controlled manner. Alternatively, the same halogen-generating reaction can be carried out in a secondary vessel (ex situ) containing a halogen-permeable membrane, allowing the halogen gas and leaching products to be separated. In situ generation of halogen gas has the advantage of eliminating the need to transport more expensive high-pressure cylinders of halogen, such as chlorine gas cylinders, to remote locations such as copper mines, instead requiring only commercially available acid and halogen bleach solutions. In addition to halogen bleaches, other halogen-containing precursors to halogen gas, such as trichloroisocyanuric acid (also known as trichloro-S-triazinetrione or trichlor), can be used.

[0187] Aside from the direct use of halogen gas and the in situ chemical generation of halogens, halogens can also be generated in situ electrochemically, for example, in the case of chlorine production, from the chlor-alkali process, which is an electrolysis reaction used to produce hydrogen gas, sodium hydroxide, and chlorine gas from brine (sodium chloride) solution, as shown in equation (15) and Figure 5. 2NaCl + 2H2O → H2+ Cl2+ 2NaOH (23)

[0188] The chlor-alkali process is generally shown at 260 in Figure 5. The process begins at step 270, where a quantity 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 passes through a membrane electrolysis process 274, where chlorine gas, hydrogen gas, and sodium hydroxide are produced. The depleted brine can be recycled within the brine tank 270, where sodium chloride is added for new brine solution.

[0189] Aside from the resulting chlorine gas, which is introduced into the leaching reactor in a continuous tank leaching process (as shown at 222 in FIG. 2 ), the chlor-alkali reaction can also produce hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), both of which are useful in several industries or can be used directly on-site. Hydrogen gas, especially when derived from electrolysis (green hydrogen), is an energy-dense, carbon-neutral fuel source. Caustic soda is an industrially important material that can be used on-site or sold commercially. The resulting hydrogen and sodium hydroxide gases can be stored in the hydrogen storage tank 286 and the sodium hydroxide storage tank, respectively. In other embodiments, a similar electrochemical process, as shown in FIG. 5 , can be used to produce other halogens, such as bromine.

[0190] For example, producing chlorine-halogen gas on-site from a chlor-alkali process has several advantages, such as simplifying logistics and reducing overall chlorine-halogen gas acquisition costs by requiring only salt, water, and electricity for the process.

[0191] Copper is leached into a solution medium in the form of a copper halide salt, such as copper chloride or copper bromide, followed by acetic acid (OAc) oxalate (oxOAc). 2- ) and citrate (Cit 3-A ligation group (L), such as , is added to the solvent leaching composition to stabilize the copper ions. The following reaction is an exemplary such reaction: Cu 2+ (aq) + 2L - (aq) → CuL2(aq) (24) Cu 2+ (aq) + L 2- (aq) → CuL(aq) (25)

[0192] In the above reactions, L represents the ligation group, (aq) represents the chemical element is in the aqueous phase, (s) represents the chemical element is in the solid phase, and (g) represents the chemical element is in the gas phase. In an exemplary embodiment, sodium acetate is used as the ligation group and the following reaction occurs in the solvent leaching composition: CuCl2(aq) + 2NaOAc(aq) → Cu(OAc)2(aq) + NaCl2(aq) (26)

[0193] Example 8: Exemplary Disclosed Methods Further exemplary disclosed methods for recovering copper from e-waste materials are provided herein below in Table 4, using the general procedures described herein in the Examples. [Table 7] [Table 8] [Table 9]

[0194] Example 9: Exemplary Disclosed Methods Further exemplary disclosed methods for recovering copper from e-waste materials are provided in Table 5 herein below, using the general procedures described herein in the Examples, and using chlorine gas as the oxidant injected directly into the solvent leaching composition. [Table 10] [Table 11] [Table 12]

[0195] References Unless otherwise specified elsewhere in this disclosure, the references cited in this disclosure are listed below. References may be cited herein using a parenthetical reference number format that corresponds to one or more of the numbered references below. References may also be cited herein using a superscript format. For example, the citation of reference numbers 1 and 2 immediately below this specification would be referred to in this disclosure as (References 1 and 2) or with the superscript " 1~2 " can be shown as:

[0196] All publications and patents cited herein are cited to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials in connection with the cited publications. All such publications and patents are incorporated herein by reference 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 lexical definitions from the cited publications and patents. Any lexical definitions in the cited publications and patents that are not expressly repeated herein should not be taken literally or read as defining terms that appear in the appended claims. Furthermore, the incorporation by reference of patents and patent applications to which this application claims priority is not intended to extend to lexical definitions of the patents and patent applications so incorporated and should not be read as limiting the scope of the appended claims.

[0197] 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 may be different from the actual publication dates, which 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 TTCampbell, United States Department of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus, Secretary, Bureau of mines, 1977.

[0198] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations, and are set forth solely for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described aspects of the present disclosure without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered merely as exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

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

2. the solvent in the leaching composition is selected from the group consisting of water, polyethylene glycol, alcohol, ether, ketone, and combinations thereof; the oxidizing agent in the leaching composition is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the halogen salt in the leaching composition 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.

3. The method comprises a batch leaching method; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor.

4. The method comprises a batch leaching method; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to the high-value metal source material in a batch reactor.

5. The method comprises a continuous leaching method; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition with the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.

6. The method comprises a continuous leaching method; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the contacting step comprises continuously contacting the leach composition with the high-value metal source material as it passes through one or more reactors.

7. the method comprises a heap leaching method; 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap containing the high-value metal source material.

8. the method comprises a heap leaching method; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the contacting step comprises applying the leach composition to a heap containing the high-value metal source material.

9. Before step (a), i. commutation of said high-value metal source material, and ii) The method of claim 1, further comprising agglomerating one or both of the high-value metal source materials.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the source of high-value metals is selected from the group consisting of mining extracts, recycled materials, and combinations thereof.

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

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

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

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

23. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the ore is selected from sulfide ores, oxide ores, and combinations thereof.

24. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the high-value metal source material is a recycled material selected from the group consisting of spent catalysts, hydrogen membrane fuel cells, high-value metal-containing electrodes, electronic waste, spark plugs, high-value metal-containing sensors, alloys, recycled dental equipment, and combinations thereof.

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

26. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the high value metal source material comprises spent catalyst, which is spent catalyst for an automobile such as a catalytic converter.

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

28. the high-value metal is gold; the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of low-grade oxide ores containing gold, low-grade sulfide ores containing gold, electronic waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1.5 g / t gold, industrial waste containing from about 0.1 g / t to about 1 g / t gold, mining tailings containing from about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t gold, and combinations thereof; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery of gold from a high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

29. the high-value metal is silver; the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of low-grade oxide ores containing silver, low-grade sulfide ores containing silver, electronic waste containing about 5 g / t to about 100 g / t silver, industrial waste containing about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, mining tailings containing about 2 g / t to about 10 g / t silver, and combinations thereof; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery of silver from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

30. the high-value metal is copper; the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of low-grade oxide ores containing copper, low-grade sulfide ores containing copper, low-grade carbonate ores containing copper, electronic waste containing about 10% to about 30% copper, mining tailings containing about 0.5% to about 10% copper, and combinations thereof; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery of copper from the high-value metal source is about 90% or greater.

31. the high-value metal is a platinum group metal; the high-value metal source material is selected from the group consisting of sulfide ores containing platinum group metals, chromite ores containing platinum group metals, silicate ores containing platinum group metals, electronic waste containing from about 1 g / t to about 5 g / t palladium, industrial waste containing from about 5 ppb to about 5 ppm platinum group metals, mining tailings containing from about 1 g / t to about 10 g / t platinum group metals, and combinations thereof; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery of the platinum group metal from the high value metal source is about 90% or greater.

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

33. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the high value metals slurry has a pH of from about 1.5 to about 3.

5.

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

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

36. 36. The method of 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 of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the high value metal slurry comprises from about 5% to about 50% by weight of high value metal material.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

47. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, about 30% by weight of high value metallic material.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69. The method comprises a batch leaching method, the batch leaching method comprising, prior to step (a): i. commutation of said high-value metal source material, and ii. one or both of the agglomerates of said high value metal source materials; 5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contacting step (b) comprises combining the high-value metal source material with the leach composition in a batch reactor.

70. The method comprises a continuous leaching method, the continuous leaching method comprising, prior to step (a): i. commutation of said high-value metal source material, and ii. one or both of the agglomerates of said high value metal source materials; 7. The method of any one of claims 1-2 and 5-6, wherein the contacting step (b) comprises feeding the high value metal source material through a series of reactors in contact with the leach composition.

71. The method comprises a continuous leaching method, the continuous leaching method comprising, prior to step (a): i. commutation of said high-value metal source material, and ii. one or both of the agglomerates of said high value metal source materials; the method further comprising, prior to step (a), forming a heap comprising the high-value metal source material; 9. The method of any one of claims 1-2 and 7-8, wherein the contacting step (b) comprises applying the leaching composition to the heap.

72. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the contacting step occurs at about room temperature.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

87. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery rate of the high value metal is from about 80% to about 99%, or from about 80% to about 90%.

88. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery rate of the high value metal is from about 90% to about 99.9%, or from about 90% to about 98%.

89. 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the recovery rate of the high value metal is from about 98% to about 99.9%.

90. the oxidizing agent comprises a halogen gas; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the method comprises generating the halogen gas and adding it to the leaching composition prior to or simultaneously with the contacting step (a).

91. prior to the contacting step, the leaching composition is stable and has a pH of from about 5 to about 12, or from about 5 to about 10; 17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein prior to or simultaneously with the contacting step (a), the pH of the leaching composition is adjusted to a pH of less than about 4, for example, from about 1 to about 4.

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

93. 93. The leaching composition of claim 92, further comprising a ligand.

94. the oxidizing agent is selected from the group consisting of lithium bromate, lithium perbromate, lithium chlorate, lithium perchlorate, lithium chlorite, and combinations thereof; 93. The leaching composition of claim 92, 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 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; 94. The leaching composition of claim 93, wherein the ligand is selected from the group consisting of sodium acetate, sodium citrate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and combinations thereof.

96. 96. The infusion composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent is selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof.

97. 96. The infusion composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, ethers, and combinations thereof.

98. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof.

99. 96. The infusion composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent comprises a solvent selected from polyethylene glycols, alcohols, ethers, ketones, and combinations thereof.

100. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent is free of water.

101. The solvent may be water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C 1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-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-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH HO—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

102. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

103. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

104. 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)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

105. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

106. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

107. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

108. 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-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

109. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

110. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C═O)—O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

111. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO-CH2-(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O-(C=O)-O-(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

112. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from water, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

113. the solvent comprises a solvent selected from CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-O—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-CH3, CH3—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, HO—CH2—(C1-C8 alkanediyl)m-(C═O)—(C1-C10 alkanediyl)n-OH, and combinations thereof; the solvent is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from hydroxyl and C1-C5 alkyl; the total number of carbon residues is 10 or less, 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein each of m and n is independently selected from 0 and 1.

114. The solvent has the following formula: CH ３ OH、CH ３ CH ２ OH、 【Chemistry 1】 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, comprising a compound selected from the structures represented by:

115. The solvent has the following formula: 【Chemistry 2】 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, comprising a compound selected from the structure represented by:

116. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent comprises water.

117. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 35% to about 65% by weight, said weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent.

118. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 40% to about 60% by weight, said weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent.

119. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the water is present in an amount of about 45% to about 55% by weight, said weight percentage being based on the total weight of the solvent.

120. 96. The infusion composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the solvent comprises polyethylene glycol.

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

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

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

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

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

126. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from chlorine, bromine, bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, perchlorate, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, organic peracids, superoxide, peroxide-superoxide, organic peracids (and their salts), hydroperoxides, water-soluble organic peroxides, nitrosodisulfonates, hypochlorite, hypobromite, chlorine dioxide, chloramines, chloramides, chlorosulfamides, bromoamines, bromoamides, bromosulfamides, chlorosulfonic acid, bromosulfonic acid, inorganic peroxides (or their salts), inorganic peracids (or their salts), and combinations thereof.

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

128. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from bromates, perbromates, chlorates, chlorites, and perchlorates.

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

130. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, or perchlorate salt is free of calcium cations.

131. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the bromate, perbromate, chlorate, chlorite, or perchlorate comprises calcium cations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

138. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV or greater.

139. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV to about 900 mV.

140. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 500 mV to about 900 mV.

141. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 600 mV to about 900 mV.

142. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 700 mV to about 900 mV.

143. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 400 mV to about 800 mV.

144. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 500 mV to about 800 mV.

145. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 600 mV to about 800 mV.

146. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the composition has a redox potential of about 700 mV to about 800 mV.

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

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

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

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

151. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the leaching composition has a pH of about 5 to about 10.

152. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the leaching composition has a pH of about 5 to about 8.

153. 96. The leaching composition of any one of claims 92 to 95, wherein the leaching composition has a pH of about 5 to about 7.

154. the ligand is a compound according to the formula: 【Transformation 3】 In the formula, R １ , R ２ , and R ３ Each occurrence of R １ , R ２ , or R ３ At least one of the groups is -R ４ CO(OH), H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R ４ CO(OH), and -R ５ N (R ６ ) (R ７ ) independently selected from the group consisting of R ６ and R ７ each occurrence of at least one of R6 and R7 is -R ４ CO(OH), H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, -R ４ CO(OH), and -R ８ N (R ９ ) (R １０ ) independently selected from the group consisting of R ５ and R ８ each occurrence is independently C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl; R ９ and R １０ Each occurrence of R ９ and R １０ At least one of the groups is -R ４ CO(OH), H, alkyl, heteroalkyl, and -R ４ CO(OH), R ４ 96. The leaching composition of claim 93 or 95, wherein each occurrence of is independently a bond, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, or a C1-C12 substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl.

155. 96. The leaching composition of claim 93 or 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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