Application of the Environmentally Non-Aggressive Dissolvents to Mobilize Metals in Tailings in the Norilsk Region

Abstract

Under analysis is on-site extractability of nonferrous and noble metals from tailings by leaching with natural reagents (humus acids, water, lignin). Redistribution of nonferrous and noble metals in a percolation bed made of old tailings in the Norilsk copper–nickel ore field is studied. Kinetics of dissolving of nonferrous and noble metals under capillary ascensional percolation is investigated. It is shown that directional capillary percolation of solutions is applicable to extraction of nonferrous and noble metals under long-term mining waste storage.