The present invention relates generally to a process for the production of sulfuric
acid and liberation of precious metal values from materials containing sulfur through
pressure leaching operations. In accordance with various aspects of the present
invention, the sulfur-bearing materials may comprise residues from pressure leaching
operations, such as those carried out at medium temperatures. The process of the
present invention can be advantageously used to convert such sulfur-bearing materials
to sulfuric acid by means of pressure leaching. The sulfuric acid so produced can
be used beneficially in other mineral processing operations, for example those
at the site where it is produced. Metals, such as precious metals, that are contained
within the sulfur-bearing materials advantageously may be recovered from processing
products by established precious metals recovery technology.
