Examining golds recovery cycles entails more than just looking at the various gold ores and their chemical makeup. It also involves analyzing the various processes in mining that result in the separation of gold from its ores. Using this information, it is possible to learn about the types of metallurgical practices and their relationship to the recovery of gold.

Concentration

It is essential to get a comprehensive understanding of the gold recovery cycle. The various stages of the process have important implications for the operation and its economics.

There are many different methods for processing ore. Some involve gravity concentration while others require more expensive equipment. A gravity concentrator is a good way to recover coarse particles of gold. However, its efficiency is often criticized.

The most efficient gold recovery methods depend on several factors. First, the feed must be of appropriate size. If it is not, it won’t feed the gravity concentration process. Second, the process must be able to handle the material. Lastly, the proper grinding product must be used to maximize the gravity concentration process.

The process of separation and concentration is not an easy one. Depending on the type of ore, the processing can be complex. This is why the operation requires flexibility to accommodate the changes in the feed and grade.

Scavenger

The gold mining industry is faced with a challenge. It needs to produce high grade concentrates consistently. This means a special combination of grade and recovery.

The scavenger stage, also known as tails processing, is the part of the process that gets gold out of unwanted material. It can be as simple as a sluice or as complicated as a combination of sluices, gravity concentration, and leaching. Depending on the nature of the gold deposit, it can be relatively easy or very difficult.

Gravity concentration is a technique used to separate free gold particles from heavier material. It has been a standard for many years, but froth flotation has become a competitor. However, gravity separation has its own set of advantages.

Unlike froth flotation, gravity concentration does not provide a sharp separation. Therefore, it is not an ideal process. On the other hand, it does have low operative and handling costs. Also, the capital investment is much lower.

Metallurgical relationship to gold recovery

Metallurgy is the science of modifying metals and metal compounds for their use. It involves both the chemical properties of the metals as well as their atomic structures. Besides smelting, refining and surveying, metallurgy also covers processes such as concentrating ores and assaying them.

One of the major industrial consumers of gold is the manufacture of electronic devices. These products contain approximately 40% gold by weight. In 2007, 311 t of gold were consumed by electronics industries.

There are several methods to recover gold from acidic leaching solutions. One of these is the thiosulfate leaching method. This method has been extensively investigated and can selectively recover gold. However, it has been shown to have some disadvantages.

A promising alternative to thiosulfate leaching is the polypyrrole leaching method. The polypyrrole has an oxidative potential that matches the Au3+ ions in acidic leaching solutions.

This study demonstrates the ability of a free-standing polyaniline film to successfully recover metallic gold from acid/halide leaching solutions of electronic waste. In addition, the polyaniline films have the potential to be used as fillings in packed-bed reactors.

Environmental impact of refractory ore processing in Russia

There is growing pressure on Russian companies to find ways to tap into complex deposits. This pressure is largely due to the fact that easy-to-process ores are running out in the world. Several companies have already taken action to boost capacity in refractory ore processing.

Polymetal is a major player in refractory ore processing. Their Amursk POX facility is one of the first plants built in Russia. The plant will process refractory ore from various deposits in the Russian Far East. It is estimated that the facility will produce up to a Mozpa of gold.

Polymetal has confirmed that it is planning to ship refractory ore to China. However, the company’s dependence on China is uncertain.

Despite its success in refractory ore processing, Polymetal has not made a decision yet on how to combine its existing facilities. One possible option is to develop a central hub, which would allow smaller companies to participate in the project and reduce costs.