Heap Leaching Process

Heap leaching is a mining process used to extract valuable metals from ore. It involves piling crushed ore into large heaps and then applying a chemical solution, typically containing cyanide or sulfuric acid, which selectively dissolves the desired metals. The solution percolates through the heap, capturing the metals, and then is collected at the bottom. The metal-rich solution is processed to recover the metals, leaving behind other materials. This efficient method allows for the extraction of metals like gold and copper from low-grade ores with less energy and water compared to traditional methods.