Mintek's novel solvent-extraction route for the production of high-purity gold has been successfully demonstrated on a full-scale production plant at Harmony gold mine. Harmony Gold Mining Company is currently the only gold producer successfully refining and marketing their own production. The Minataur (Mintek Alternative Technology for Au Refining) Process is able to produce gold of 99.99% purity from intermediate process products having a wide range of gold contents. The process comprises oxidative leaching of the feed material, followed by selective solvent extraction of the gold from the leach liquor to reject impurities, then precipitation of high-purity gold powder. This paper will introduce the process and highlight some of the commercial opportunities that the technology has created for Harmony.
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