APPLICATION OF GLYLEACH~(TM) TO HEAPS -EARLY COMMERCIALISATION OPPORTUNITIES

摘要

GlyLeach~(TM) is an emerging metallurgical technology with the potential to solve a number of longstanding industry dilemmas. Alkaline glycine solutions provide a selective leach process where valuable metals including gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, zinc and lead are extracted while mostgangue minerals are completely inert. The principle reagent, glycine, is recovered and continuously re-used. Metals are recovered from the leach solution by conventional downstream processes such as SX-EW, sulphide precipitation and carbon adsorption. GlyLeach~(TM) may be applied in any circuit configuration, including agitated tanks, vats, and in-situ. However, the process has several characteristics that are especially well-suited to heap leaching. GlyLeach~(TM) offers a unique solution to several significant types of copper and gold ore deposits:Copper oxide with high acid consumption Copper oxide with leachable gold value Copper ores with high clay content Low grade copper sulphides Gold ore with high cyanide consumption due to nuisance copperGold projects where the use of cyanide is prohibited This presentation outlines the case for glycine heap leaching and proposes a radical re-evaluation of these resources.