Cyanide-free gold extraction technology using methods of intensification of the leaching process

Eco-sparing technologies of waste processing of mining enterprises will provide the possibility of compromise coexistence of two systems: man-nature, man-technology. The object of research is the Albion technology for processing stale gold–containing sulfide flotation tailings of a gold recovery plant based on the use of a cyanide substitute. The object of research is Albion technology for processing stale sulfide flotation tailings of a gold recovery plant based on the use of a cyanide substitute. A comparative analysis of cyanide, the most effective gold solvent to date, with alternative non–toxic reagents, which have great prospects for use in mining enterprises, has been carried out. The material composition of technogenic raw materials has been studied. A technology for processing stale flotation tailings based on the use of non-toxic solvents and methods for intensifying the gold leaching process has been developed. A study on the enrichment capacity was carried out on a small laboratory sample weighing 2.0 kg. Optimal regime technological parameters of thiourea leaching have been experimentally established. Gold extraction was increased by 3.87 times (from 22.1% to 85.5%) compared to its analogue — classical cyanide leaching, due to the synergistic effect of a combination of methods of process intensification: Albion technology, binary complexing system (thiourea and glycine) in a sulfuric acid medium, mechanical mixing and heating of the pulp, the use of strong oxidants (ozone and hydrogen peroxide).

Shumilova L. V., Khatkova A. N., Razmakhnin K. K., Prostakishin M. F. Cyanidefree gold extraction technology using methods of intensification of the leaching process. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2023;(10-1):328—344. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2023_101_0_328.

the work was carried out with the support of the RNF project 22-17-00040 «Scientific substantiation and development of environmentally friendly waste-free technologies for processing natural and man-made mineral raw materials» (2022-2023).

Shumilova L. V.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), associate Professor, Professor, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5991-9204, e-mail: shumilovalv@ mail.ru.
Khatkova A. N.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), professor, professor, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6527-0026, e-mail: alisa1965.65@mail.ru;
Razmakhnin K. K.¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Associate Professor https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2944-7642, e-mail: igdranchita@mail.ru;
Prostakishin M. F.¹, executor of the RNF project 22-17-00040, e-mail: m.prostakishin@gmail.com.
¹ Transbaikal State University, 30, Str. Aleksandro-Zavodskaya, 672039, Chita, Russia.

Shumilova L. V., e-mail: shumilovalv@ mail.ru.

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