The project investigates the feasibility of extracting mineral species from ores using supercritical fluid (SCF) technology. Because of their unique solvating properties, supercritical fluids have been extensively applied to the extraction, separation, and purification of organic materials. In contrast, very little work has been reported describing SCF processing of inorganic mineral species. The object of this investigation is to perform "proof-of-concept" experiments for selective extraction of mineral-containing ore samples with supercritical fluids. The core samples required for the tests will be supplied by the mining companies. If successful, the SCF technology has potential for application to both in situ mining and above-ground mineral processing.
