The process electro-chlorine is simply that, chlorine produced from solution by exposure to electricity. Rare Metals Corp. has developed several techniques to optimize this process and make it economically feasible for most ores. Ore particles are subjected to "Atomic Chlorine" produced by the process. This chlorine is extremely strong and produces very high rates of oxidation. The solutions produced from Electro-Chlorine leaching are no more toxic than swimming pool water and produce pH values in the range of 4-6. The process works well on low grade ores as well as high grade products. In general, refractory ores (ores that tend to consume reagents) do pose a problem for electro-chlorine leaching recovery and some form of pre-treatment may be required. If the ore is too refractory in nature, then other procedures such as Froth Flotation or Thiosulfate leaching may be more desirable. The main advantages to Electro-Chlorine leaching are: 

• Cost
• Leaching Duration (Time)
• Recovery Techniques
• Environmental Impact
• Very low reagent use in comparison to other processes       
• No Pressure or Heat Needed  in the Leaching Vessel
• No Cyanide

Currently the technology is well suited for a batch type leaching process. Rare Metals currently in the final stages of R & D studies to develop this process for use in situations were "heap leaching" of large volumes of ore is the only viable option. When fully optimized we feel this technology will revolutionize the way gold is leached by major mining companies. We are also studying the use of support equipment needed to implement a feasible ECL process for recovery of precious metals from computer scrap.

Recovery of the precious metals can be simply accomplish by ion exchange resins. When batch type leaching utilized, resin in pulp can be utilized. Other traditional methods of recovery can be utilized such as zinc, solvent extraction, or electro-winning.

The use of cyanide and other toxic substances to recover gold from ores, comes under more and more scrutiny each day. Just run a web search and type in "ban cyanide" or "misuse of cyanide" an you will find that many people are very upset and mis-informed about the use and hazardous nature of the cyanide reagent.  Under proper handling cyanide has generated billions of dollars in tax revenues and led to employment of tens of thousands of professionals. The problem with cyanide is that it caries a such bad name due to it's very toxic nature and use in gas chamber and spy movies. But all the positives are virtually wiped out by small amounts of isolated spills and accidental contaminations.

Using ECL enables the user to basically remove a great deal of these environmental problems. There always be people who hate mining and will do anything to disrupt operations and facilities. We feel that in the future, the ECL process will act to depress (if not eliminate) most of the concerns of environmental activist.

If you have any questions about whether ECL technology could be amenable to your ore, please send us an email and we will be glad to help.

 raremetals@rmcgold.com.