Abstract
Detailed characterization of a micro-fine, low-grade refractory gold ore from a beneficiation plant in Yunnan Province, China, was investigated. Different analytical techniques, such as videlicet size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and mineral analysis by a Mineral Liberation Analyser, were used for mineralogical characterization of the ore. The results show that the most valuable metal is gold. Grain size of pyrites and arsenian pyrites, which are main gold carrying minerals, are mostly 1 ~ 30 μ m. The gangue mineral is composed of quartz, mica, dolomite and feldspar, while the content of easy-to-float and clay gangue minerals is up to 33%.
Highlights
With the rapid development of the gold industry, refractory gold ores are becoming increasingly important resources for gold production [1,2]
Autoclave pressure oxidation (AC POX) of the sulfide ore and subsequent cyanidation is a common technology used to recover the gold in such types of ore
Flotation is often used as a pre-treatment method to refractory gold ore [5]
Summary
With the rapid development of the gold industry, refractory gold ores are becoming increasingly important resources for gold production [1,2]. The fine grind usually causes the production of significant quantities of slimes, which comprise easy-to-float gangue minerals such as mica, dolomite, and calcite. Wei, Li, and Xie (2006) used the flowsheet of one rough-five cleaners-three scavengers with mixed collectors of butyl xanthate and butyl dithiophosphate on a refractory gold ore from Shuanglong Gold Mine of Shanxin, which contained arsenic and carbon with fine dissemination of gold particles. They achieved concentrate gold grade 36.04 g/t and gold recovery of 76.15%. Attention was paid to the occurrence of main metallic minerals and the mineral liberation degree of pyrite
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