Hydrometallurgy: Leaching in Heap, Vat, CIL, CIP, Merrill–Crowe, SX Solvent Extraction

Hydrometallurgy: Leaching in Heap, Vat, CIL, CIP, Merrill–Crowe, SX Solvent Extraction

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increasing gold recovery (3 replies)

n
Nyasha Jawanda
8 years ago
Nyasha Jawanda 8 years ago

hello guys...im a metallurgy student currently attached at a heap leach practicing company mining oxide ores(low grade ores).we use cyanide for the leaching process and carbon in the adsorption section..we are currently experiencing  low recoveries and im researching on how we can actually increase our gold recovery. lixiviant properties  -   cyanide =0.03%

                                                      ph    =10.5 to 11 

(unknown)
8 years ago
(unknown) 8 years ago
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Hi,

  • what is your head grade?
  • What were your recoveries before VS now?
  • Have you looked for organic carbons in your feed?
  • What have you measured so far?

The more details you give us, the better we can help you.

L
louis turrietta
8 years ago
louis turrietta 8 years ago
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have any clay in the heap

T
ThabisoKwenane
8 years ago
ThabisoKwenane 8 years ago
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1 like by

Check if your cyanide distribution into the heap is even. Also check your particle size distribution. You don't want to have the same size of particles throughout your heap. A varying distribution will help in your cyanide to penetrate through the heap and will also avoid what is called channelling (cyanide moving in only one path from top to bottom). Try to also install oxygen pipes in your heap. I think that might also help since oxygen is a very critical factor in cyanidation. Perhaps oxygen from the air is not that sufficient. 

The cyanide concentration that you using I am very happy with it only if your head grade is above 5g/t. Your pH is highly acceptable.

If you struggle with the abovementioned solutions, do a lab scale test work. Build a small heap then simulate what you guys are doing outside at the big heap, and vary your cyanide concentration and oxygen concentration to check which one best suit your ore.


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