developments in the processing of refractory & complex gold ores
developments in the processing of refractory & complex gold ores
developments in the processing of refractory & complex gold ores
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FOSTERVILLE HEATED LEACH PROCESS<br />
Ref: Trans. Inst. M<strong>in</strong>. Metall. C 2012 Vol 121 No 4<br />
• Developed by Fosterville Gold M<strong>in</strong>e, Victoria, Australia (now<br />
owned by Crocodile Gold Company, Canada).<br />
• To solve preg-robb<strong>in</strong>g problem <strong>in</strong> CIL circuit caused by<br />
carbonaceous material (bitum<strong>in</strong>ous coal).<br />
• After flotation, bio-oxidation, CCD wash<strong>in</strong>g, and conventional<br />
CIL, <strong>the</strong> slurry is passed countercurrently to activated carbon<br />
through a 6 stage heated leach circuit.<br />
• Gold is desorbed from <strong>the</strong> carbonaceous material <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first 3<br />
stages at up to 70C, <strong>the</strong>n is adsorbed by <strong>the</strong> activated carbon <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al 3 stages after cool<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a heat exchanger and by<br />
cool<strong>in</strong>g water addition.<br />
• Based on lab and pilot scale studies, a commercial circuit was<br />
<strong>in</strong>stalled and commissioned <strong>in</strong> 2009 - ga<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>gold</strong> recovery <strong>of</strong><br />
4-14% are reported.<br />
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