Mineralutvasking

Mineralutvasking is a term used to describe the process of extracting valuable minerals from ore or other geological materials. This can involve a variety of physical, chemical, or biological methods, often employed in combination to achieve the desired separation and concentration of target minerals. The specific techniques used depend heavily on the type of mineral being sought, its physical and chemical properties, and the nature of the surrounding matrix.

Physical separation methods often rely on differences in density, size, or magnetic susceptibility. Examples include crushing and grinding to liberate mineral particles, followed by gravity separation (like jigging or shaking tables), magnetic separation for ferromagnetic minerals, or flotation, which uses chemical reagents to selectively attach to mineral surfaces, making them float.

Chemical extraction, also known as hydrometallurgy, involves dissolving the target minerals using chemical solutions. This can include leaching, where a solvent is passed through the ore to dissolve the mineral, followed by precipitation or electrochemical methods to recover the metal from the solution. Acid leaching and cyanide leaching are common examples.

Biomining, or bioleaching, utilizes microorganisms to facilitate the extraction of minerals, particularly metals. Certain bacteria can oxidize sulfide minerals, releasing metals into solution, which can then be recovered. This method is often more environmentally friendly and can be effective for low-grade ores. The choice of method is critical for economic viability and environmental impact.