OPTIMIZING B2GOLD'S MASBATE CARBON CIRCUIT USING CIP/CIL MODELLING

摘要

The SGS carbon-in-pulp (CIP) / carbon-in-leach (CIL) model was used to evaluate and optimize the carbon circuit at B2Gold's Masbate Mine in the Philippines. A 5-year composite sample was tested in a series of small scale batch experiments to determine rates of gold leaching and adsorption on carbon. The testwork data, along with existing plant data were then used to model the performance of the existing CIL plant and optimize the circuit to improve performance and overall recovery. The primary purpose of the modelling exercise was to determine the impact of increasing the leach time ahead of carbon adsorption, optimizing the number of adsorption tanks, and the impact of increasing the plant throughput. This resulted in a recommendation for changes from a CIL to a CIP flowsheet, which was successfully implemented in the plant.The approach, results and plant changes are presented.