SELECTING THE BEST PROCESS FOR THE TREATMENT OF A REFRACTORY GOLD ORE - BARRICK'S EXPERIENCE

摘要

More ore bodies have been found where the gold is not amenable to simple cyanidation alone. In the simplest of terms, these are refractory ores. The best choice of a processing route to treat a refractory ore will in most cases be site specific, due mainly to the metallurgical and mineralogical characteristics of the ore. The successful application of these processing techniques can result in mining operations that would otherwise have been impossible. However for an increasing number of low grade refractory ores, the estimated capital and operating costs mean that very careful project evaluation will be necessary, particularly at current gold prices. This paper will review some of the existing technologies and operations that are being used for the treatment of refractory gold ores, with particular emphasis on the technologies developed and practiced in Barrick's operations. Pressure oxidation, roasting and thiosulfate technologies will be reviewed.