Leaching behaviour of base and precious metals during cyanide leaching of a pyrite concentrate
 
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1
Hydromet B&PM Research Group, Mineral&Coal Processing Division, Mining Eng. Dept., Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye
 
2
Yıldız Bakır Madencilik A.Ş., 29100, Gümüşhane, Türkiye
 
 
Publication date: 2025-03-26
 
 
Corresponding author
Haci Deveci   

Hydromet B&PM Research Group, Mineral&Coal Processing Division, Mining Eng. Dept., Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Türkiye
 
 
Physicochem. Probl. Miner. Process. 2025;61(3):203328
 
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ABSTRACT
This study investigated the influence of cyanide concentration (1.5-7 g/L NaCN), particle size (d80 = 28-55 µm), and solid-to-liquid ratio (40-60% w/w) on the leaching behaviour of gold, silver, copper, zinc, and iron from a concentrate containing predominantly sphalerite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, as determined by XRD analysis. The concentrate, containing 10.6 g/ton Au, 42 g/ton Ag, 0.21% Cu, 3.57% Zn, and 31% Fe, exhibited refractory characteristics with a low gold extraction (37%) at 1.5 g/L NaCN over a 24-hour leaching period. Increasing the cyanide concentration to 7 g/L enhanced gold extraction to 73%, albeit with a 3.64-fold increase in cyanide consumption. Copper leaching varied moderately (25-32%), likely attributed to its predominant occurrence as chalcopyrite. Negligible zinc leaching was observed, suggesting the relative inertness of sphalerite in the cyanide leaching environment. While particle size variations (d80 = 28-55 µm) had minimal impact on gold extraction, a lower solid-to-liquid ratio (40% w/w) demonstrated improved gold extraction (51%) compared to 60% w/w. The optimal leaching conditions for achieving the highest gold and silver extractions were found to be 7 g/L NaCN, a pulp density of 40%, and a particle size of 55 µm (d80). These findings indicate that the concentrate exhibits refractory behavior under conventional cyanide leaching conditions. Elevated cyanide concentrations and lower solid-to-liquid ratios are required to enhance gold extraction, albeit with increased cyanide consumption.
18th International Mineral Processing Symposium (IMPS 2024)
eISSN:2084-4735
ISSN:1643-1049
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