Definitions for "Heap leaching"
A process where valuable metals (typically gold and silver) are leached from a heap or pad of crushed ore by leaching solutions percolating down through the heap. The metals are then collected from a sloping, impermeable liner below the pad.
As used in this report, a process for recovery of minerals from heaps of crushed ore by percolation of a solvent (such as cyanide for gold, or ferric sulfate and sulfuric acid for copper) through the heap, followed by chemical processing of the lixiviant.
A process whereby valuable metals, e.g., gold, silver, and copper, are leached from a heap of crushed ore by solutions percolating down through the heap.