AGREEMENT: COVENANT OF TRUST AND HONORARIUM

IN CONSIDERATION that international convention and PATENT LAW, upholds the basic principles:

1. Inventors should benefit from inventions, 2. The public should benefit from inventions.

PAUL WELK, of Rosedale, B.C., CANADA, the author and sole OWNER of THIS INVENTIO N: Canadian Patent Application No. 2,729,239 Title: ELECTRO-EXTRACTION OF DESIRABLE METALS FROM HYDROXY ACIDS, BY MICROWAVES AND ELECTROLYSIS, ABSTRACT: An Electro-Extraction process, comprising sequential chemical procedures of remo ving a precious and desirable metal ion from complex anions of strong in-organic acids, by repositioning said metal ion as the integral component in an anion of a newly-formed aqueous inorganic hydroxy acid complex, as which said hydroxy acid anion is chemically separated from gangue, base metal hydroxides, and intermetallic complex salts, and from which s aid anion is extracted a metal ion as a reduced metal, an metal oxide, or a metal hydroxide by at least one of two proce dures, comprising an exposure of said hydroxy acid anion complex to an alternating electromagnetic force, or exposing said anion to a voltage potential between a positively and a negatively charged electrode.

AGREES to allow any INDIVIDUAL / CORPORATION, to access and USE the information, which is disclosed in the DESCRIPTION, and defined in the CLAIMS of THIS INVENTION.

SAID INDIVIDUAL / CORPORATION, ________________________________________________,

AGREES by a CONVENANT OF TRUST, to give a PERCENTAGE of all PROCEEDS, derived fr om the USE of THIS INVENTION, for the period designated by PATENT LAW, as itemized in T WO PROVISIONS, and an HONORARIUM:

1. Said INDIVIDUAL / CORPORATION will semiannually, every February 28th and August 31st, give __________ PERCENT of PROCEEDS, or its monetary equivalent, directly to an internationally registered charitable or humanitarian organization, which is periodically selected and named by the OWNER of THIS INVENTION;

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52395 Lexington Place, Rosedale, British Columbia, Canada,

January 25, 2011 -------- pwelk@shaw.ca

TITLE: ELECTRO-EXTRACTION OF DESIRABLE METALS FROM HYDROXY ACIDS, BY MICROWAVES AND ELECTROLYSIS.

ABSTRACT:

An Electro-Extraction process, comprising sequential chemical procedures of remo ving a precious and desirable metal ion from complex anions of strong in-organic acids, by repositioning said metal ion as the integral component in an anion of a newly-formed aqueous inorganic hydroxy acid complex, as which said hydroxy acid anion is chemically separated from gangue, base metal hydroxides, and intermetal lic complex salts, and from which said anion is extracted a metal ion as a reduced metal, an metal oxide, or a metal hydroxide by at least one of two procedures, comprising an exposure of said hydroxy acid anion complex to an alternating electromagnetic force, or exposing said anion to a voltage potential between a positively and a negatively charged electrode.

DESCRIPTION:

1.0 DEFINITIONS, BACKGROND, TECHNICAL PROBLEMS, AND USEFULNESS.

1.1.0 Definitions And Use Of Terms In This Disclosure

1.1.1. Desirable Metal refers specifically to gold, silver, copper, zinc, platin um, palladium, iridium, rhodium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, and any other transition metal, which has a chemical b ond-strength with oxygen that is weaker than the chemical bond strength between hydrogen and oxygen.

1.1.2. Intermolecular Water, HOH, is water, which is intermolecularly integrated into the ionic configuration of an aqueous acid, base and salt. [A plausible distinction between HOH and H2O: In pure water, H2O, which does not contain ionic salts, the electron bond between H and O is so strong that electrons cannot be shared and e lectricity cannot flow.

In intermolecular water HOH, the exposure to adjacent electromagnetically charge d cations and anions of salts effectively weakens the H and O electron bond, that in HOH electrons can b e shared, and electricity can flow. (cf., Section 3.4.0.)]

1.1.3. Hydroxy Acid refers to an INORGANIC aqueous acid, in which a complex anio n molecularly consists of an ion of a Desirable Metal, Intermolecular Water (hydrate), and hydroxides. [E.g., H+(Au(HOHOH)4)-. Metals, which have chemical bond strength with oxygen, w hich is stronger than the chemical bond strength between hydrogen and oxygen, do not form Hydroxy Acids; t hey form oxyacids, such as, osmic acid, H2OsO4, titanic acid, H2TiO4, and others.]

1.1.4. Electro-Extraction reduces the ionic metal component of a complex Hydroxy Acid anion to a metal, a metal oxide, or a metal hydroxide by means of the alternating electromagnetic fo rce of microwaves, and/or an electron transfer at electrodes of an electrolytic cell.

1.2. Background. An effective method of mining gold is by cyanide leaching. However, the very wor d cyanide is alarming. A more common method of metal mining extraction is by floatation, which requires great volumes of water and causes environmental concerns. But floatation focuses primarily on sulfide ores and has little application, when the ore is in the format of oxides. Since in metamorphic rock (i.e., one third of the earth s crust) the previously existing sulfides were decomposed by heat and altered into oxides, many Desirable Metals, which naturally exist as oxides, are virtually ignored by prospectors and miners. Furthermore, in re-heated metam orphic rock, gold oxide is reduced at the low temperature of 250 degrees Celsius to an infinitely small, at omic elemental format, for which floatation is ineffective. Since the mining industry, except for the blast furna ce, has no effective method of

recovery of metals from oxide ores, the mining industry fails to take advantage of many mineral and placer oxide resources.

1.3. Technical Problems. Electro-Extraction offers a solution for the above-stated problems. But the reco very of Desirable Metals from a solution of acids is derogatorily identified by some as wet-lab technology, and was not taken seriously in the past, because of what seemed to be insurmountable difficulties: (1) Aqua Regia not onl y dissolves Desirable Metals, it also forms a great number of extremely complex chemical salts, and generates eve n more problematic complex oxyacids, such as osmic and ruthenic acids, and their respective salts. (2) Chem ical extraction and electroextraction seemed to be a virtual impossibility, unless the interfering salts we re first painstakingly eliminated.

1.4. Usefulness Of This Invention. By changing the molecular configuration of a Desirable Metal from the salt of a strong inorganic acid to a Hydroxy Acid, this invention provides effective and environment-friendly methods of extr acting Desirable Metals from virtually any solution be it from ore, or scrap metals. Electro-Extraction has m any benefits: Liquid by-products of this process may be re-cycled and re-used. Ammonium salts may be extracted and b e sold as fertilizers, or they may enrich gangue of ore to serve as soil supplements. Hydroxide by-products may be harvested for their metal content. Whereas, sulfide ore concentrate is usually produced by floatation, and then shipped to refining plants, an Electro-Extraction process produces at the mining site Desirable Metals in an almost pure elemental state. This offers to the mining industry the option to be producers of semi-refined product s, rather than being mere providers of raw materials.

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THREE PREPARATORY PROCEDURES TO ELECTRO-EXTRACTION.

2.1. Dissolution. The Desirable Metals, which are contained in finely crushed ore, may be dissolve d by leaching in a mixture of the strong sulfuric, hydrochloric and nitric acids, which may be diluted by water at a ratio of ten to one. Preparatory roasting may be required if a high concentration of sulfides, particularly gold sulfide, is processed. To dissolve silver in the latter stages of leaching, selective leaching may be required, by increas ing the content of nitric acid after

neutralizing hydrochloric acid, in which silver chloride was insoluble. If the o re is rich in magnetic refractory oxides, frequently associated with Platinum Group Elements, they may be removed from the ore by magnetic separation, electrolytically liquefied by a Redoxer, and be prepared for Electro-Extraction.

2.2. Preparation Of Hydroxy Acids. Before the separation of liquid aqueous salts from insoluble gangue, the invento r gradually neutralized all strong acids by the addition of aqueous ammonium, to a pH factor of approximately six. (cf., Formula, Section 3.4.1.) Then the inventor cautiously raised the pH factor to be slightly above seven, after w hich the inventor re-acidified the substance with formic acid to a pH of slightly below seven. To recover the silve r from the gangue, the formic acid again will have to be neutralized with aqueous ammonium, for silver precipitates by the above addition of formic acid.

Reasons Being: When a mixture of several acids is neutralized, by the addition o f aqueous ammonium, then the cation of the neutralizing agent forms salts and progressively neutrali zes all acids, from the strongest to the weakest until only Hydroxy Acids are left. At the transition fr om an acidic solution to an alkali solution, the Desirable Metals, which previously existed as acidic comple x aqueous salts of strong acids, become aqueous Hydroxy Acids. As Hydroxy Acids, they are chemically separ ated from molecular bonding with other metals; for Hydroxy Acids are molecular structures, which con sist only of one Desirable Metal, hydrogen, oxygen and possibly with ammonium as a complex of the neutralizing agent. As such, the aqueous Hydroxy Acids are subject to Electro-Extraction. The invent or used aqueous ammonium instead of potassium or sodium hydroxide, for the latter form complex s odium and/or potassium hydroxides, which would re-introduce base metals to Hydroxy Acid compl exes; also, ammonium dissolves silver and copper better than do sodium and/or potassium hydr oxides. But this use

of ammonium produces flocculent ammines of the Platinum Group Elements, which wo uld remain mixedin with the gangue, or hydroxides, if the gangue were not re-acidified with form ic acid, in which ammines of PGE Desirable Metals re-liquefy as aqueous Hydroxy Acids. (cf., Formula, Sect ion 3.4.3.)

2.3. Separation Of Aqueous Hydroxy Acids From Solid Gangue And Base Metal Hydrox ides. For experimental purposes the inventor made the solid/liquid separation by settl ing, decanting, filtering, and rinsing. On an industrial scale, vacuum/pressure-assist systems can be applied a dvantageously. As per personal preference, or the kind of metals to be extracted, a separation of liquid from g angue may occur before or after the neutralization of strong acids. A solid liquid separation of gangue and hydroxy acids may not be required at all, if Electro-Extraction is done only by electrolysis, provided that the extract can b e recovered. If Electro-Extraction is done also by microwaves, a solid liquid separation can hardly be avoided.

3.0. TWO MODES OF ELECTRO-EXTRACTION: MICROWAVES AND ELECTROLYSIS. Depending on personal preference, the various constituents of ore, and unique ch emical characteristics of specific groups of metals, which are to be extracted, Electro-Extraction of Desirable Met als may be achieved by: Microwaves and/or Electrolysis. (cf., Flowchart Of Various Procedures.)

3.1.0. Electro-Extraction By Microwaves.

3.1.1. An Observation And Conclusion. The inventor observed that when iron is submerged in water, it oxidizes and prod uces flocculent hydroxides; when these hydroxides, are subjected to radiation by microwaves, they are partially a ltered into granular particles. The inventor applied this principle of his discovery to the precipitation of Desirab le Metals. Since microwaves are alternating electromagnetic forces, they exert an electromagnetic force on the b ond between the dipolar structures of Intermolecular Water and hydroxides in Hydroxy Acids. This pulsati ng alternating force alters some complex Hydroxy Acid anions from Format A. to Format B. In Format A., the comple x anion of an aqueous Hydroxy Acid is composed by its three constituents: the ion of a Desirable Metal, sub-mo lecules of Intermolecular Water and hydroxides. In Format B., the electromagnetic force of alternating microwave s exerts a pulsating force on the dipolar sub-molecular structural relationship between Intermolecular Water and h

ydroxides, which, if strong enough, effectively severs Intermolecular Water from the complex, and makes the Hydroxy Acid anion anhydrous, as which hydroxides precipitate. (cf., Formula, Section 3.4.4.)

3.1.2. Explanatory Note. Microwave extraction is not equally effective for all anions of Hydroxy Acids, s ince the intermolecular bond strength within the complex anion of Hydroxy Acids varies, depending on the uniq ue chemical characteristics of its elemental metal ingredient. Whereas the Platinum Group Elements, chromium, cobal t and nickel generally form a relatively strong bond with oxygen (e.g., Pt:(OH)4), such elements may be extrac ted by a residential-type microwave oven. But, whereas copper, silver and gold form a relatively weak bond with oxygen [e.g. below, Au:(OH)3, 53], copper, silver, and gold cannot be extracted by a residential-typ e microwave oven; they will stay in solution. This conveniently can be used to separate the Platinum Group Elements from copper, silver, and gold, which can subsequently be extracted electrolytically. In the future, a Hydroxy A cid Microwave Extraction system may be refined and further developed, whereby different metals may be selectivel y precipitated by careful calibration, strength, and control of differing microwaves. (Order of Desirable Metals in sequence of relative chemical bond strength with oxygen: Cr, 102; Ir, 99; Rh, 96; Pt, 93; Pd, 91; Co, 91; Ni, 91; Cu, 64, Zn, 64; Au, 53, Ag, 52, cf., Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Tables on Chemical Bond Strengths.)

3.1.3. Cautionary Note. If intermolecular water, HOH, of a Platinum Group Element Hydroxy Acid (e.g., H2 [Pt((HOH)OH)6]) is dehydrated, the residual anhydrous complex (H2Pt(OH)6) is extremely unstable; for the hydroxide, OH-, is separated from the cation, H+, only by the very metal, which serves as a catalyst in combing hydrog en with oxygen. This creates the potential for spontaneous combustion, possibly, even an explosion, if such molec ules are in significant amounts and concentrations. (The public recognition of this fact may yet provide a scien tific explanation and verification for,

heretofore, questionable accounts of spontaneous combustion, even spontaneous hu man combustion; cf., Section 4.1.2.)

3.2.0. Electro-Extraction By Electrolysis.

3.2.1. Electrolytic Options. Several options are available, depending on personal preference, the various con stituents of ore, and unique chemical characteristics of various groups of metals, which are to be ext racted: 1. Extraction before or after a physical separation of liquid Hydroxy Acids from solid gangue, provided that extracts at electrodes are recovered and not re-assimilated with t he gangue. 2. Extraction from a neutral solution of an electrolyte. 3. Extraction from a slightly alkali electrolyte. 4. Extraction from a slightly acidic electrolyte. 5. Extraction at a negatively charged electrode in a Direct Current circuit. (cf ., Formula, Section 3.4.5.a.) 6. Extraction at a positively charged electrode in a Direct Current circuit. (cf ., Formulae, Section 3.4.5.b.) 7. Extraction at both electrodes in a Direct Current circuit. (cf., Formulae, Se ction 3.4.5.c.) 8. Extraction at both electrodes in an Alternating Current circuit (cf., Formula e, Section 3.4.5.c.). 9. The applied voltage potential during electrolyses may be excessive and far gr eater than the reduction potential of an element to be reduced, because electro-extraction is f or the purpose of efficient recovery, not cosmetic purposes. The heat, so generated by a relativel y high voltage and high amperage, can be used to condense the electrolyte and accelerate electrolys is, to evaporate water for re-use, to heat buildings, even air-conditioning - by the use of heat pumps.

3.2.2. Explanatory Notes. 1. To prevent the re-introduction of undesirable interfering base metals at the positively charged

electrode, the positively charged electrode must be absolutely inert (e.g., Pt o r Rh). [Note: A positively charged gold electrode is not inert and will decompose, even, in form ic acid.] 2. The negatively charged electrode may be a base metal, such as copper, or any other metal, whichever may have the most advantageous characteristics in subsequent refining procedures. 3. The positively charged electrode can readily serve as an indicator of complet ion. When no additional deposits occur on this electrode, precious metal Electro-Extraction b y electrolysis may be deemed to be complete. 4. But the above feature does not apply to Desirable Metals like copper and zinc , for their oxides redissolve in acidic and alkali solutions and, therefore, do not accumulate, or pr ecipitate at the positively charged electrode. 5. If elements, like copper and zinc are accumulating metallically at a negative ly charged electrode, and re-dissolve in an acidic or alkali solution, they will reduce, at least in p art, any element, which has a reduction potential, that is higher than the reduction potential of copper and zinc (e.g., Ag, Au, Pt, et. al.). Therefore in some cases, it may be advisable to do Electro-Ext raction by electrolysis in a neutral solution, a weak acidic, or in basic solution, in whic hever the extracted metal does not re-dissolve. 6. In consideration of the above, it becomes apparent that Electro-Extraction by electrolysis can advantageously be applied by means of an Alternating Current electric circuit, w hich in addition to Electro-Extraction by electrolysis utilizes extraction of metals also by ion exchange. (An explanation of which would be too complicated to include in this disclosure. cf. , Section 4.2.2.) 7. When the source of Desirable Metals is ore several metals are involved, and t he resulting electrodeposits are co-deposits of various Desirable Metals.

3.3.0. Cautionary Notes On Testing And Rinsing Precipitates And Extracts.

3.3.1. Testing. When extracts of Desirable Metals, their oxides, and hydroxides, particularly th e Platinum Group Metals, are fused (heat > 1100o C), they transform to an ionic liquid. Liquid ions combine with ot her liquid ions and form an acid-like solution of metals and metal oxides, in which ionic components combine according to the laws governing ion exchange. Thus extremely complex and refractory anhydrous molecules are formed, which may not re-dissolve in an aqueous solution of acids. If gold and Platinum Group Elements, are jointly m elted in such circumstances, particularly if oxygen is present, an acidic interaction will cause intermetalli c and intermolecular bonding of ions, and will obscure virtually everything - even gold. Thus collective extracts, esp ecially if the Platinum Group Metals are included, cannot be tested accurately by any method, which requires heat and firing, especially in air/oxygen (e.g., Fire Assay Method).

3.3.2. Rinsing. When extracts of Desirable Metals, their oxides, and hydroxides, are rinsed in a cid, they should never be rinsed in hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acids, for in the preceding procedures nitric acid was employed. Whenever nitric acid is employed, there will always be a residue of nitrate salts. When nitrate salts are treated with hydrochloric and/or sulfuric acids, according to the laws on ion exchange, nitrates form nitric acid , chlorides and sulfates. Thus, when an extract, that contains nitrates, is rinsed with hydrochloric or sulfuric acid s, rinsing is not rinsing but effectively re-dissolution in Aqua Regia.

3.4.0. Formulae, Essential To This Disclosure: Formation And Decomposition Of Hy droxy Acids.

Symbols Used In Equations Below. Au* may represent any Desirable Metals. Fe* may represent any base metal. HOH represents Intermolecular Water. [E.g., Platinic chloride is not merely PtCl4, but Pt(HOHxCl)4, where the size of number x is contingent on the availability of water. When Pt(HOHxCl)4 is heated beyond the boiling point o f HCl (117o C), the complex decomposes, beginning at its weakest ionic link (i.e., Pt(HO\HCl)4) as 4 HCl4. a nd Pt(OH)4., which decomposes as PtO2. and 2 H2O..]

3.4.1. Generic Formula (not balanced): (Base metal simple salts) + Fe*[Au*(HOHCl)4]3 + NH4OH {in H2SO4, HCl, HNO3 at pH