CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNTIES IN THE TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY GOLD ORES

摘要

The introduction of pressure and biological oxidation as well as some innovations to roasting starting in the mid 1980's has revolutionized the way that refractory gold ores are treated. These technologies allowed previously uneconomical gold deposits to be processed. This paper provides a high level overview of the flowsheets and chemistry used in each of the technologies. A breakdown of where and who are currently using the different technologies is also provided. Finally some discussion is presented on what the future may hold in respect of challenges and opportunities.