Technological studies of gold ore using centrifugal concentration methods

Abstract

Relevance. Te use of gravitational enrichment methods, in particular centrifugal concentration, is based upon the presence in gold-bearing ore, along with fnely disseminated free coarse gold, which is not fully recovered in the process of cyanidation and fotation. Te purpose of the work is to conduct technological research on the centrifugal concentration of gold-bearing raw materials in order to assess its applicability in the production process. Te main objectives of the study were: studying the material composition of the sample, conducting tests to determine the gravity recoverable gold (GRG test), as well as tests using a centrifugal concentrator with continuous concentrate discharge (CVD test). Object of study. Te paper presents the results of studies of the enrichability of gold-bearing ore using centrifugal concentration methods. For research, a sample weighing 160 kg, with a size of –100 mm was taken. According to the phase analysis data, when the ore was ground to a fneness of 94,8% of the –0,071 mm class, the amount of free gold was 66%. Te rest of the gold in the amount of 33.9% is found in intergrowths and flms, including closed intergrowths with sulfdes (4,06%) and quartz (3,7%). Based on the results of the research, conclusions were made about the properties of the ore of the deposit and the optimal conditions for its processing (grinding size, concentrate yield) were determined by gravity methods. It has been established that the studied ore is efectively enriched by gravity methods. Centrifugal separation at an intermediate size of 64,6% class –0,071 mm with a low concentrate yield works efciently. A concentrate with a gold content of 432,0 ppm was obtained with a yield of 0,07% and a recovery of 32,04%. Te level of gold recovery by gravity with staged ore grinding (GRG test) is quite high – 53,97%. Te optimal yield of gravity concentrate during enrichment at the KC-CVD concentrator was 10,55%. With this yield, gold recovery was 82,28% at a grade of 7,77 ppm.