Heap Leaching

Heap leaching is a method used in mining to extract valuable metals, like gold or copper, from ore. In this process, crushed ore is piled into a large heap and then sprayed with a leaching solution, often containing chemicals like cyanide or sulfuric acid. The solution seeps through the heap, dissolving the target metals. Once the metals are dissolved, the solution is collected, filtered, and processed to recover the metals. This method is efficient and cost-effective for low-grade ores but requires careful management to minimize environmental impact, particularly concerning the chemicals used.