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Patent number: 3956087Abstract: A method is described for the direct extraction of copper as finely divided metal from subterranean sulfide ore deposits containing the same utilizing electrochemical techniques. The method eliminates the physical digging and crushing of ore and greatly reduces subsequent refining and further purification of the recovered copper. Copper produced in accordance with the method can, in many instances, be used in the recovered form. Alternative processing techniques are described for simultaneously producing both finely divided copper and finely divided iron from sulfide ores containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1974Date of Patent: May 11, 1976Assignee: Mineral Research & Development CorporationInventor: William F. Drinkard, Jr.